Allura Red AC (E129 / FD&C Red 40) Powder
Allura Red AC (E129 / FD&C Red 40) Powder — ASD-626
Premium Food-Grade Synthetic Azo Red Colourant. Vibrant, consistent red colour for food manufacturing, beverages, confectionery, and industrial food applications. Same-week dispatch from Melbourne.
Colour Profile — Allura Red AC
Bright cherry-red to deep red in solution. Maximum absorbance at ~504 nm. Colour is stable across typical food-processing pH and temperature ranges.
Overview
Allura Red AC, also known as E129 or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic azo dye and one of the most widely used red food colourants globally. It delivers a bright, uniform red colour with excellent batch-to-batch consistency, making it a preferred choice for food manufacturers, beverage producers, and confectionery businesses.
AuSaMicS Allura Red AC (ASD-626) is supplied as a high-purity, water-soluble red powder suitable for professional food production and industrial applications where colour accuracy, regulatory compliance, and reliable sourcing are essential. Available in multiple pack sizes from small artisan batches to bulk manufacturing quantities.
Key Features & Benefits
- Certified food-grade quality
- Complies with E129 (EU) and FD&C Red 40 (USA) standards
- Vibrant, consistent red colouration
- Excellent water solubility — rapid dissolution
- Stable under standard food-processing conditions
- Suitable for artisan and large-scale manufacturers
- Multiple pack sizes — 25 g to 500 g
- COA supplied for every batch
Chemical & Physical Properties
| Chemical Name | Allura Red AC |
| Synonyms | E129, FD&C Red No. 40, Red 40, CI Food Red 17, CI 16035, Disodium 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfonatophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonate |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 496.42 g/mol |
| Colour Index Number | CI 16035 |
| E Number | E129 |
| FD&C Number | Red No. 40 |
| CAS Number | 25956-17-6 |
| Appearance | Red to dark red powder or granules |
| Solubility in Water | Readily soluble (~22 g/100 mL at 25°C) |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Slightly soluble; insoluble in most organic solvents |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 4.0–6.0 |
| Maximum Absorbance (λmax) | ~504 nm (aqueous solution) |
| Stability | Stable under normal food-processing conditions; sensitive to strong oxidising agents and prolonged UV light |
| Catalogue Number | ASD-626 |
| HS / AHECC Code | 3204.19.00 |
Colour Chemistry — Technical Overview
Ingredients & Composition
| Component | Content | Function | Mechanism / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allura Red AC (Disodium salt) | ≥85% combined dye content (food-grade specification) | Primary colourant — red colour development | Azo chromophore absorbs at ~504 nm; disodium sulfonate groups provide water solubility and stability at food-processing pH |
| Sodium chloride / Sodium sulfate | Balance (diluent in food-grade powder) | Diluent / standardisation agent | Standard dilution carriers used in food-grade dye powders to achieve consistent dye strength per gram |
Food-grade colourant powders are standardised to a defined dye content. The balance comprises approved food-grade dilution salts. Specifications comply with E129 (EU Directive) and FD&C Red No. 40 (21 CFR 74.340, US FDA) standards.
Comparative Colourant Analysis
| Colourant | E Number | Colour | λmax (nm) | Water Solubility | Regulatory Status (AU/EU/US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allura Red AC (ASD-626) | E129 / Red 40 | Bright red | ~504 | Excellent | Permitted AU, EU, US (with advisory label in EU) |
| Carmoisine (ASD-E122) | E122 / Red 3 | Crimson red | ~516 | Good | Permitted EU/AU; not permitted in USA |
| Sunset Yellow FCF (ASD-630) | E110 / Yellow 6 | Orange-yellow | ~483 | Excellent | Permitted AU, EU, US (with advisory label in EU) |
| Brilliant Blue FCF (ASD-627) | E133 / Blue 1 | Bright blue | ~629 | Excellent | Permitted AU, EU, US |
| Erythrosine B (ASD-638) | E127 / Red 3 | Cherry/pink-red | ~526 | Good | Permitted EU/AU; restricted use in US |
| Cochineal / Carmine | E120 | Red–crimson | ~490–530 | Good | Natural; not suitable for vegan/halal formulations |
Pros & Cons Analysis
✓ Advantages
- Bright, vibrant red highly valued in food production
- Excellent water solubility and ease of dispersion
- Strong colour intensity — low usage levels required
- Good stability to heat, light, and pH in food systems
- Permitted in Australia, EU, and USA markets
- Consistent batch-to-batch colour performance
- Lower cost than natural red colourants
- No off-flavour contribution at recommended use levels
⚠ Considerations
- Requires advisory label in EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008
- Not permitted in all global markets — verify local regulations
- Sensitive to strong oxidising agents (bleach, H₂O₂)
- Photodegradation under prolonged intense UV exposure
- Not suitable for vegan products using cochineal alternatives
- Subject to regulatory scrutiny — check current approvals
Regulatory Overview
📋 Regulatory Status by Region
| Australia / NZ (FSANZ) | Permitted — listed as food additive under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Code |
| European Union | Permitted as E129 with mandatory advisory label: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" (Regulation EC 1333/2008) |
| United States (FDA) | Approved as FD&C Red No. 40 under 21 CFR 74.340. Batch-certified by FDA. One of the most widely used certified food colours in the US. |
| Codex Alimentarius | Listed in the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) |
| Not Permitted | Some Middle Eastern, Asian, and Nordic markets restrict or prohibit synthetic azo dyes — always verify destination country regulations |
Typical Usage Levels
⚖ Recommended Typical Use Levels (indicative — always follow applicable food regulations)
| Beverages (soft drinks) | 30–100 mg/L (typically 0.003–0.010%) |
| Confectionery (hard candy, gummies) | 50–300 mg/kg |
| Icings, frostings, and toppings | 100–500 mg/kg |
| Bakery products | 100–300 mg/kg |
| Sauces and condiments | 50–200 mg/kg |
| Dairy-based desserts | 50–150 mg/kg |
⚠ Maximum permitted levels vary by food category and by country. Users must comply with applicable national food standards and the FSANZ Food Standards Code. These values are indicative only.
Preparation & Dissolution Guide
- Weigh the required amount of Allura Red AC powder using an accurate balance
- Add powder to a small volume of warm water (40–60°C) and stir until fully dissolved to form a concentrated stock solution
- Dilute the stock solution into the food matrix (beverage, syrup, batter, etc.) and mix thoroughly
- Adjust final colour intensity by varying the amount of stock solution added
- Store remaining stock solution in a sealed, opaque container at 2–8°C and away from light to minimise photodegradation
Storage & Handling
Quality & Documentation
Related Products
Carmoisine (E122) · Sunset Yellow FCF (ASD-630) · Brilliant Blue FCF (ASD-627) · Erythrosine B (ASD-638) · Patent Blue V (ASD-628) · Quinoline Yellow (ASD-629) · Brilliant Green (ASC-1002)
Technical Data Sheet — Allura Red AC (ASD-626)
1. Product Identification
| Product Name | Allura Red AC Powder |
| Catalogue Number | ASD-626 |
| E Number | E129 |
| FD&C Designation | Red No. 40 |
| CI Number | CI 16035 |
| CAS Number | 25956-17-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 496.42 g/mol |
| HS / AHECC Code | 3204.19.00 |
| Grade | Food Grade |
| Supplier | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia |
2. Colour Chemistry — Mode of Action
3. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Red to dark red powder or granules |
| Odour | Odourless |
| Combined Dye Content | ≥85% (food-grade specification) |
| Solubility in Water | ~220 g/L at 25°C (freely soluble) |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 4.0–6.0 |
| Maximum Absorbance (λmax) | ~504 nm |
| Colour Hue | Bright red to cherry red in aqueous solution |
| Light Stability | Good under normal conditions; degrades under prolonged UV |
| Heat Stability | Stable to typical pasteurisation and baking temperatures |
| Acid/Alkali Stability | Stable at pH 3–8; may change hue at extreme pH |
| Oxidising Agent Sensitivity | Bleached/degraded by strong oxidisers (bleach, H₂O₂) |
4. Quality Control Specifications
| Test Parameter | Method | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visual | Red to dark red powder | Free from lumps and foreign matter |
| Combined Dye Content | Spectrophotometry | ≥85% (food-grade) | Per E129 / FD&C Red 40 specification |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | Potentiometry | 4.0–6.0 | — |
| Water Insoluble Matter | Filtration / gravimetric | ≤0.2% | — |
| Chloride and Sulfate (as NaCl/Na₂SO₄) | Titration / gravimetric | Compliant with E129 specification | Diluent salts |
| Arsenic (as As) | ICP-MS / colorimetric | ≤3 ppm | E129 / FD&C specification |
| Lead (as Pb) | ICP-MS | ≤10 ppm | — |
| Mercury (as Hg) | ICP-MS | ≤1 ppm | — |
| 4-Aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid | HPLC | ≤0.2% of dye content | Specified subsidiary dye/impurity limit |
| Identification (spectrophotometry) | UV-Vis scan | λmax 500–510 nm | Conforms to reference spectrum |
5. Storage & Stability
Stock solutions: Prepare in purified water. Store at 2–8°C in a dark, sealed container for up to 3 months. Discard if precipitation, colour change, or turbidity is observed.
6. Literature / References
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Food Additives — Colours. Schedule 1, Standard 1.3.1. www.foodstandards.gov.au
- European Parliament & Council Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
- US FDA. 21 CFR 74.340 — FD&C Red No. 40. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission. General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), Codex STAN 192-1995 (revised 2023).
- Downham A & Collins P (2000). Colouring our foods in the last and next millennium. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 35(1):5–22.
Safety Data Sheet — Allura Red AC (ASD-626)
Prepared in accordance with the Australian Code for the Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals and the GHS (Globally Harmonised System). Revision date: 2025.
Section 1 — Identification
| Product Name | Allura Red AC Powder |
| Catalogue Number | ASD-626 |
| CAS Number | 25956-17-6 |
| Supplier | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd | 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074 | +61 412 520 598 | support@ausamics.com |
| Recommended Use | Food colourant — food manufacturing use in accordance with applicable regulations |
Section 2 — Hazard Identification
Signal Word: None | Hazard Statements: None | EU Advisory Label (food products containing E129): "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Section 3 — Composition / Information on Ingredients
| Component | CAS | Molecular Formula | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allura Red AC (disodium salt) | 25956-17-6 | C₁₈H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈S₂ | ≥85% dye content |
| Sodium chloride / Sodium sulfate (diluent) | 7647-14-5 / 7757-82-6 | NaCl / Na₂SO₄ | Balance |
Section 4 — First Aid Measures
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Avoid generating dust. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with soap and water. May cause temporary skin staining. Remove contaminated clothing. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | This is a food-approved colourant. If ingested in large amounts as powder, rinse mouth and seek medical advice. |
Section 5 — Fire-Fighting Measures
| Flammability | Not flammable under normal conditions |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | CO₂, dry powder, foam, water spray |
| Special Hazards | Thermal decomposition may produce nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and sulfur oxides (SOₓ) |
Section 6 — Accidental Release Measures
Sweep up spilled powder carefully to avoid dust generation. Dispose in accordance with local regulations. Will stain surfaces and fabrics — clean promptly with water. Prevent entry into drains.
Section 7 — Handling & Storage
| Handling | Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid dust inhalation. Wear gloves to prevent skin staining. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers. |
| Storage | Store at 15–25°C, tightly sealed, away from moisture, light, and oxidising agents. |
Section 8 — Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
| Exposure Limits | No specific occupational exposure limit established in Australia for this substance |
| Respiratory Protection | Dust mask (P1) if dust generation anticipated during powder handling |
| Hand Protection | Nitrile or latex gloves (primarily to prevent staining) |
| Eye Protection | Safety glasses recommended during powder handling |
| Skin Protection | Protective clothing; apron recommended |
Section 9 — Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Red to dark red powder |
| Odour | Odourless |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water |
| pH (1% aq.) | 4.0–6.0 |
| λmax | ~504 nm |
Section 10 — Stability & Reactivity
| Stability | Stable under normal storage and food-processing conditions |
| Conditions to Avoid | Prolonged UV exposure, strong oxidising agents, excessive heat above 200°C |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidising agents (bleach, hydrogen peroxide, permanganates) |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | NOₓ, SOₓ at elevated temperatures |
Section 11 — Toxicological Information
| Acute Oral Toxicity (rat) | LD₅₀ >2000 mg/kg (low toxicity; food-approved substance) |
| Skin/Eye Irritation | Mild; primarily cosmetic staining |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Sensitisation | Isolated reports of sensitivity in aspirin-intolerant individuals — refer to E129 regulatory guidance |
| Behavioural Effects (children) | EU advisory: possible effects on activity/attention in children at high dietary exposure. See EU Regulation EC 1333/2008 Annex V. |
Section 12 — Ecological Information
Not classified as environmentally hazardous at food-grade use concentrations. Avoid large-scale discharge to waterways. Will colour waterways at high concentrations. Biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
Section 13 — Disposal Considerations
Dispose in accordance with local regulations. Food-grade quantities from food manufacturing may be disposed via normal waste streams. Do not discharge concentrated solutions to stormwater drains without treatment.
Section 14 — Transport Information
Not classified as dangerous goods under ADG (Australian Dangerous Goods Code), IATA, or IMDG regulations.
Section 15 — Regulatory Information
Listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC). Permitted food additive under FSANZ Food Standards Code. Compliant with applicable WHS regulations.
Section 16 — Other Information
Prepared by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd. For food manufacturing use in accordance with applicable regulations. Revision: 2025. Contact: support@ausamics.com
Certificate of Analysis — Allura Red AC (ASD-626)
Representative COA. Lot-specific COA available upon request via support@ausamics.com.
| Product Name | Allura Red AC (E129 / FD&C Red 40) Powder |
| Catalogue Number | ASD-626 |
| CAS Number | 25956-17-6 |
| E Number / FD&C | E129 / Red No. 40 |
| Lot Number | Available on product label |
| Manufacture Date | Available on product label |
| Expiry Date | Available on product label |
| Manufactured / Supplied by | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia |
Test Results
| Test | Specification | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Red to dark red powder, free of lumps | Dark red free-flowing powder | ✓ PASS |
| Combined Dye Content | ≥85% | ≥87% | ✓ PASS |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 4.0–6.0 | ~4.8 | ✓ PASS |
| Water Insoluble Matter | ≤0.2% | ≤0.1% | ✓ PASS |
| Arsenic (as As) | ≤3 ppm | <1 ppm | ✓ PASS |
| Lead (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <2 ppm | ✓ PASS |
| Mercury (as Hg) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm | ✓ PASS |
| Identification (λmax) | 500–510 nm | ~504 nm | ✓ PASS |
| Solubility (1% w/v) | Clear red solution | Clear, bright red solution | ✓ PASS |
| Subsidiary Colour Impurities | Compliant with E129 / FD&C specification | Compliant | ✓ PASS |
Applications — Allura Red AC (ASD-626)
🍬 Confectionery & Sweets
- Gummies and gelatine confectionery
- Hard and soft candies
- Marshmallows and foam sweets
- Chocolate coatings and shells
- Lollipops and lollies
🥤 Beverages
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Flavoured syrups and cordials
- Sports and energy drinks
- Fruit juices and fruit drinks
- Cocktail mixers and mocktails
🎂 Bakery & Desserts
- Cake icings and frostings
- Marzipan and fondant colouring
- Cake mixes and sponge products
- Dessert gelatines and jellies
- Decorated pastries and doughnuts
🍦 Dairy & Frozen Desserts
- Flavoured yogurts and fromage frais
- Ice cream and gelato colouring
- Dessert toppings and sauces
- Flavoured milks and dairy drinks
🍅 Sauces & Condiments
- Tomato-based sauces and relishes
- Decorative food coatings
- Savoury sauces requiring colour standardisation
- Marinades and glazes
🎨 Artisan & Specialty Food
- Cake decorating and sugar craft
- Macaron colouring
- Artisan chocolate and candy making
- Specialty bakery and patisserie
Typical Usage Levels by Application
| Application | Typical Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft drinks and flavoured beverages | 30–100 mg/L | Adjust for target colour intensity |
| Hard candy / boiled sweets | 100–500 mg/kg | Higher levels for deep red hue |
| Gummies and gelatine confectionery | 100–400 mg/kg | Heat-stable through gelatine processing |
| Cake icings and frostings | 100–500 mg/kg | Dissolve in water before incorporation |
| Bakery products (cakes, biscuits) | 100–300 mg/kg | Add to liquid phase for uniform distribution |
| Dairy products (yogurt, desserts) | 50–150 mg/kg | Check pH stability in acidic dairy matrix |
| Sauces and condiments | 50–200 mg/kg | Stable at food-processing temperatures |
Related Colourant Products
Carmoisine E122 · Sunset Yellow FCF E110 (ASD-630) · Brilliant Blue FCF E133 (ASD-627) · Erythrosine B E127 (ASD-638) · Patent Blue V E131 (ASD-628) · Quinoline Yellow E104 (ASD-629)
Cross-Reference / Equivalent Products
The following are equivalent or comparable Allura Red AC products from major international suppliers. AuSaMicS ASD-626 is the Australian-stocked alternative — same food-grade specification, local availability, same-week Melbourne dispatch.
| Supplier | Product Name | Catalogue Number | Grade / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AuSaMicS 🇦🇺 | Allura Red AC Powder | ASD-626 | Food grade — Australian stock, same-week dispatch, COA included |
| Sigma-Aldrich / Merck | Allura Red AC | 458937, A5762 | Dye content ≥80%, food grade and analytical standards available |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | Allura Red AC | Various | Research and food grade options |
| Sensient Food Colors | Red 40 / Allura Red | Proprietary | Commercial food-grade supplier — bulk quantities |
| Roha Group | Allura Red (Red 40) | Proprietary | Global food colour manufacturer — bulk food grade |
| Chr. Hansen / Givaudan | Red 40 | Various | Commercial food colour formulations |
| Farbchemie Braun | Allura Red AC E129 | Various | European food dye supplier |
| TCI Chemicals | Allura Red AC | A5036 | Research grade; dye content ≥85% |
| Biosynth / Carbosynth | Allura Red | FA07410 | High purity research grade |
Why Choose AuSaMicS?
- Australian stock — no import delays
- Same-week dispatch from Melbourne
- COA included with every order
- Competitive pricing for artisan and industrial quantities
- Responsive technical and customer support
- Multiple pack sizes: 25 g → 500 g
- Full documentation: COA, SDS, TDS
- Direct from Australian supplier — no middleman
Customs & Trade Information
| HS / AHECC Code | 3204.19.00 — Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon |
| UN Number | Not regulated as dangerous goods |
| Country of Supply | Australia |
Intent-Based Search Queries
This product is relevant for the following common search queries:
buy Allura Red AC Australia · E129 food dye powder Australia · FD&C Red 40 supplier · red food colourant bulk Australia · allura red food grade · red 40 food colour manufacturer Australia · ASD-626 AuSaMicS · food dye same week dispatch Melbourne · synthetic red azo dye food grade · E129 confectionery colourant · allura red AC price Australia · red food colour artisan baker · gummy candy red dye · food colouring red powder · CI 16035 food dye · allura red sigma equivalent Australia