E110 · Sunset Yellow FCF

What is E110?

Sunset Yellow FCF (FD&C Yellow No. 6) is a synthetic orange-yellow azo dye used in candies, soft drinks, sauces, and snacks. It is approved in many countries with maximum permitted levels, but in the EU/UK it carries a warning about possible effects on children's activity and attention, and people sensitive to azo dyes—including some with asthma or aspirin intolerance—may react to it.

Also appears on labels as: Sunset Yellow FCF, Sunset Yellow, FD&C Yellow 6, Yellow 6, Food grade Sunset Yellow FCF, E110, E 110, E-110, INS 110, Sunset Yellow powder, Sunset Yellow solution, Additivo alimentare E110.

What the evidence says

• Hyperactivity/attention effects signal in some children (EU warning applies).
• Hypersensitivity reactions possible in susceptible individuals (e.g., some with asthma/aspirin intolerance).

Research behind the verdict

1. Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity of Sunset Yellow (E110) in Rat Studies — PeerJ, 2025-08-26 13:19:20+00 (2018). An experimental study exposed male rats to Sunset Yellow (E110) at 2.5 mg/kg body weight for four weeks and observed increased liver and kidney biochemical markers, elevated malondialdehyde levels, decreased antioxidants, histological lesions and DNA damage, indicating oxidative stress‑mediated renal and hepatic toxicity【284621494705483†L164-L186】. Another study administering a blend of Sunset Yellow, Metanil Yellow and Tartrazine to rats reported decreases in total protein and albumin and increases in liver enzymes, suggesting that prolonged consumption of artificial colour blends may have adverse health effects【289921601191199†L141-L156】. These findings suggest Sunset Yellow may cause oxidative stress and genotoxicity at doses near permitted levels, so human exposure should be limited.[avoid]

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