Sunset yellow
A synthetic azo dye. Linked to hyperactivity in children, so the EU requires a warning label.
- Category
- Colours
- Acceptable daily intake
- 4 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Sunset Yellow FCF (E110), known in the US as Yellow 6, is a synthetic orange azo dye. It provides a bright yellow-orange color to foods.
How it is used in food
Gives foods an orange-yellow colour.
Commonly found in- Orange sodas (like Fanta or Irn-Bru in original formulations)
- Cheeses (to make cheddar look bright orange)
- Snack foods and crisps
- Jellies and candies
Health and safety
May cause intolerance reactions, and can contribute to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Like Tartrazine (E102), Sunset Yellow is a member of the "Southampton Six" and is strongly linked to childhood hyperactivity and attention deficit. It also has the potential to cause allergic reactions.
Hyperactivity in children
The 2007 Southampton trial reported that mixtures including this colour increased hyperactive behaviour in 3-, 8- and 9-year-olds. EFSA did not accept the trial as establishing a causal link for any individual colour, but the EU legislated the warning label anyway: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Allergic reactions
Can cause hives, rhinitis, and asthma, especially in individuals with aspirin intolerance.
EFSA set the ADI at 4 mg/kg body weight per day in 2014, replacing an earlier temporary limit.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted, warning label required | Authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, but Annex V requires the warning statement on any food containing it. “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Approved by the FDA (as FD&C Yellow No. 6). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E110
- Colour index
- 15985
Also printed asFD&C Yellow No. 6 · Yellow 6
Alternatives to this additive
- E160b: Annatto — Natural plant extract that gives cheddar cheese its classic orange color without hyperactivity risks.
- E160c: Paprika extract — Natural red/orange color.
How it is made
Derived from petroleum and coal tar through chemical synthesis.
- Synthesis — Synthesized from petroleum derivatives.
Worth knowing
One of the six colours in the Southampton study on children's behaviour.
Conclusion
E110 is heavily scrutinized. Due to the mandatory EU warning label, many major brands have quietly replaced it with natural alternatives like paprika extract or annatto.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-04.
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