Is fdc red #40 lake vegan?

FD&C Red #40 lake, also known as Allura Red AC lake, is an insoluble synthetic red color additive. It is manufactured by chemically precipitating water-soluble FD&C Red #40 dye onto an inert mineral substrate, typically aluminum hydrate or aluminum hydroxide. Because lake pigments are dispersed rather than dissolved, manufacturers frequently use them in low-moisture foods, dry mixes, baked goods, confectionery coatings, chewing gums, and pharmaceutical tablets to prevent the color from bleeding.

This ingredient is vegan because it is produced entirely from synthetic and mineral origins without animal inputs. The primary dye component is synthesized from petroleum derivatives through organic chemical reactions, while the stabilizing lake base consists of mineral salts. Because no animal tissues, extracts, or animal-derived processing aids are utilized during its synthesis, FD&C Red #40 lake meets standard vegan criteria.