Mary Hartley

There are several types of red food dye. Reactions most commonly occur with red dye No. 40, although they can happen with any red dye. Each person's body reacts differently to allergies and food intolerance. One of the most common reactions to red food dye is gastrointestinal distress including gas, bloating and diarrhea. Red dye allergy can also present with skin symptoms such as rashes, tingling, itchiness, or tightness. Other people experience common cold-like symptoms, and numerous studies have shown that dyes cause hyperactivity in children. Red food dye reactions are generally mild and short-lived, but for some, the reactions are more severe and even deadly. - Mary Hartley, RD for DietsInReview.com