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Generally halal
E129 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic red azo dye with no animal origin, so it is generally treated as halal at the ingredient level.
Allura Red AC, widely known in the US as Red 40, is a synthetic red colouring from the azo-dye family. It is manufactured industrially and is not derived from insects or any animal — a common point of confusion with carmine (E120).
Produced by chemical synthesis from sulphonated aromatic compounds; historically petroleum-derived. No animal materials in the standard process.
As a fully synthetic colour with no animal or alcohol component, E129 is generally classified as halal at the ingredient level. The finished product still requires its own verification.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
Allura Red ACE129Colour (E129)Red 40FD&C Red No. 40INS number: 129
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, EUR-Lex, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Halal does not automatically mean healthy, and a health concern does not automatically make an ingredient haram.
Permitted as a food colour in the EU, UK and US within limits; subject to the same 'Southampton colours' advisory warning label in the EU/UK.
It is a synthetic dye with no animal origin, so it is generally considered halal at the ingredient level. The finished product still needs verification.
No — that is carmine (E120). Allura Red (E129) is fully synthetic.
'Allura Red AC', 'E129', 'Red 40' or 'FD&C Red No. 40'.
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.