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E110ColorantElevated concern
Sunset Yellow FCF
In plain words
The short version
A bright orange synthetic azo dye used in soft drinks, candies, and snack foods.
Why we flag it
A synthetic orange dye (Sunset Yellow / Yellow 6). It adds colour only, and it's one of the dyes linked in studies to hyperactivity in some children, so the EU requires a warning label. That's why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI of 4 mg/kg body weight (EFSA 2014 re-evaluation). Identified in the Southampton study as one of six dyes linked to increased hyperactivity in some children — EU labelling requires the warning 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. Aspirin-sensitive individuals can develop urticaria.
The detail
First synthesized in the late 19th century from petroleum derivatives. The dye is produced by diazotization of sulphanilic acid coupled with the sodium salt of 2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid, giving a vivid orange water-soluble compound.
Used in carbonated beverages, sweets, ice cream lollies, packet soups, and processed cheese. Often combined with E102 Tartrazine to extend the orange-yellow palette. Typical use 5–50 mg/kg depending on product.
Orange-red powder, very soluble in water, soluble in ethanol. Stable to light, heat, and acid but degraded by reducing agents. Sulfonic groups make it negatively charged across the food pH range.
Permitted in the EU and US (FDA FD&C Yellow 6). EU mandates the Southampton warning label since 2010. Within the EU, one list of authorised food additives and conditions of use applies directly in every member state, including Finland. Member states may keep national bans only for a few traditional foods named in the Regulation, such as traditional Finnish fruit syrups.
Sources
- EFSA — Reconsideration of the temporary ADI and refined exposure assessment for Sunset Yellow FCF (E 110) (2014) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ANS Panel, 2014. ADI of 4 mg/kg bw (EFSA 2014)
- WHO JECFA database — Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110), evaluation 2011 (74th meeting) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO, 2011. ADI 0–4 mg/kg bw (international evaluation)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives — Article 24 and Annex V (warning label for six colours) — European Union, Official Journal L 354, 31.12.2008, 2008. EU warning label for E 110 (Article 24 applies from 20 July 2010); single EU additive list applies in all member states
- 21 CFR 74.706 — FD&C Yellow No. 6 (CFR, 2025 edition) — U.S. Government Publishing Office / FDA, 2025. Permitted in the US as FD&C Yellow No. 6
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.