food colors

E129 — Allura Red AC

Red food coloring - most widely used red dye in the USA

Also known as: CI 16035 · FD&C Red 40 · Food Red 17 · Allura Red AC

Permissible

Yes — Halal

Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

Function Red food coloring - most widely used red dye in the USA
Found in soft drinks, sweets & more
Source synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived)

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Permitted

Maliki

Permitted

Shafi'i

Permitted

Hanbali

Permitted

Synthetic dye - water-soluble, so both dry and liquid forms are halal. One of the most common food dyes worldwide.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Safe to consume

E129 is permissible across all major schools of Islamic thought. No further verification is needed for this specific additive.

Permissible — no verification required
2

Still check the rest of the ingredients list

Other E-codes on the same label may have a different halal status. Use our database or scanner to verify each one.

Always verify the complete label

You're all clear for this additive

E129 is permissible. Focus your label check on the other E-codes in this product — some may have different statuses.

Scan the full label →
Background & Details

About E129

It is a red Azo dye used for color in foods. Since it is soluble in water, both dry or liquid forms are Halal.

What is E129 made from?

  • synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived)

Foods that commonly contain E129

Food Category Guide

E129 is common in soft drinks — see the full halal guide →

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E129 (Allura Red AC/Food Red 17/FD&C Red 40 (C.I. 16035)) halal?

E129 (Allura Red AC/Food Red 17/FD&C Red 40 (C.I. 16035)) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E129 used for?

E129 is used as a red food coloring - most widely used red dye in the usa in food products.

What foods contain E129?

E129 (Allura Red AC/Food Red 17/FD&C Red 40 (C.I. 16035)) is commonly found in: soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, condiments, cereals, cough syrups.

What is E129 made from?

E129 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived).

What are the other names for E129?

E129 may appear on food labels as: CI 16035, FD&C Red 40, Food Red 17, Allura Red AC.

Free weekly guide

Know before you eat — wherever you are

Join Muslims worldwide who get our weekly halal food guide — ingredient alerts, certified brand updates, and products your family can buy without second-guessing.

This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.