Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Sunset Yellow FCF?
Sunset Yellow FCF (also known as FD&C Yellow No. 6) is a synthetic azo dye that produces an orange-yellow color. It is authorised for specified uses in the EU and approved in the US. EU labelling rules require an activity-and-attention warning for foods containing this colour, subject to listed exceptions.
What Is It Used For?
Used in candy, soft drinks, desserts, sauces, and processed foods to produce yellow to orange hues. Often combined with other dyes for custom colors.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Included in the 'Southampton Six' study on food colorings and hyperactivity in children. Some studies suggest it may cause hypersensitivity reactions in people with aspirin allergies. EFSA re-evaluated in 2014 and maintained authorization with a reduced ADI.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Sunset Yellow FCF an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 3/10. This is 2.8 points below the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2014.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E110 or 'Sunset Yellow FCF'
▶Chemical Information
Primary Sources
Source review: 2026-08-08Official references relevant to this page. Check the agency record for current permitted uses, limits and jurisdiction-specific wording.
- European Commission: EU Food Additives Database ↗EU authorisations and conditions of use
- WHO / FAO JECFA: JECFA food-additives database ↗International evaluations and acceptable daily intakes
- European Food Safety Authority: Food colours ↗EFSA colour-additive evaluations and re-evaluation programme
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Food Additive Status List ↗U.S. food-ingredient regulatory references
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunset Yellow FCF
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E110
- INS Number
- 110
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Approved (FD&C Yellow No. 6)
- EFSA Status
- Authorized (with hyperactivity warning label)
- ADI
- 4 mg/kg bw/day
- Dataset Review
- 2014
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Quick Links
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family