Question: what is red lake 40?
Answer: FD&C Red No. 40 is the water soluble azo dye disodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid. FD&C Red No. 40 has an orange-red hue and is approved by the FDA for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics according to the specifications set forth by the FDA.