Is Allura Red AC (E129) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E129

Also known as: FD&C Red No. 40, CI 16035, Food Red 17

Source

A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. Fully synthetic with no animal product involvement.

Commonly found in

Red and orange sweets, fruit drinks, strawberry-flavoured products, some medications and cosmetics.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed from a vegan perspective. Natural alternatives: beetroot red (E162), anthocyanins (E163).

Notes

The most widely used red food dye globally, particularly in the USA where it replaced Red No. 2 (banned by FDA in 1976). Part of the Southampton Six (McCann et al., The Lancet, 2007). Approved in the EU and USA with some restrictions elsewhere. A common vegan-friendly alternative to carmine (E120), making it important for vegans to identify on labels.