yellow-no-6
yellow-no-6

Yellow no 6

Common names: D&C Yellow No. 6, Sunset Yellow FCF, C.I. Food Yellow 3, Orange Yellow S, E110 (European food additive code).
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KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
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Caution
Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD
Yellow No. 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110, is a synthetic azo dye widely utilized in the food industry to impart an orange-yellow color to products such as candies, baked goods, cereals, snack foods, and beverages. Its popularity stems from its excellent solubility in water and stability under various pH levels, heat, and light conditions, making it a reliable additive for maintaining the desired appearance of consumables.[1]
Despite its widespread use, concerns have been raised regarding potential health effects associated with Yellow No. 6. Some studies have linked synthetic food dyes, including Yellow No. 6, to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children, such as increased hyperactivity.[2]
Additionally, overexposure to azo dyes like Sunset Yellow FCF may cause allergic reactions and other health issues. While regulatory agencies have established acceptable daily intake levels and continue to monitor its safety, ongoing research and consumer awareness contribute to the ongoing evaluation of its use in food products.[3]

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)
The FDA permits the use of FD&C Yellow No. 6 in foods, provided it meets specified purity standards and is declared on product labels. However, the FDA has issued warnings for undeclared Yellow No. 6 in certain products, emphasizing the importance of accurate labeling.[4]
Health Canada
Health Canada permits the use of Sunset Yellow FCF in various food products, adhering to specified maximum levels. Compliance monitoring has identified instances of non-permitted use and labeling omissions, underscoring the need for regulatory oversight.[5]
EFSA (Europe)
EFSA has evaluated Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 1 mg/kg body weight. This assessment was part of a comprehensive review of food colors, considering potential links to hyperactivity in children.[6]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has conducted safety evaluations of Sunset Yellow FCF, determining an ADI of 0-2.5 mg/kg body weight. This evaluation considers toxicological data to ensure consumer safety.[7]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Classified

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group
  • EWG Rating: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns Yellow No. 6 a hazard score of 3 on a scale from 1 to 10, indicating a moderate level of concern.[8]
  • Level of Caution: EWG advises caution with Yellow No. 6 due to potential contamination with carcinogenic substances and associations with hyperactivity in children.[9]
  • Possible Health Risks: Studies have found that Yellow No. 6 may be contaminated with benzidine, a known carcinogen, and has been linked to hypersensitivity reactions and hyperactivity in children.[10]
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More about Yellow no 6

  • Snack Foods: Cheese-flavored chips, popcorn, pretzels
  • Beverages: Orange soda, sports drinks, powdered drink mixes
  • Baked Goods & Sweets: Frosted donuts, gummy candies, gelatin desserts

Historical Use
Yellow No. 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, has been utilized as a synthetic colorant in the food industry since the early 20th century. Its approval for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics was solidified with the enactment of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, which mandated certification for certain color additives.[11]
Current Exposure
Today, Yellow No. 6 is prevalent in a wide array of consumables, including beverages, baked goods, candies, and snack foods. Studies indicate that over 90% of individuals in various demographic groups consume at least one food product containing this dye, underscoring its extensive presence in the modern diet.[12]

Hypersensitivity Reactions
Yellow No. 6 has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria (hives) and asthma, in certain individuals. Studies have documented cases where consumption of this dye triggered such allergic responses.[10]
Potential Carcinogenic Contaminants
Research indicates that Yellow No. 6 may be contaminated with carcinogenic substances like benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl. These contaminants, even in trace amounts, pose potential cancer risks upon prolonged exposure.[10]
Behavioral Effects in Children
Studies have found an association between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow No. 6, and increased hyperactivity in children. These findings suggest that certain children may exhibit behavioral changes following consumption of such dyes.[13]
Adrenal and Kidney Tumors in Animal Studies
Animal studies have indicated that Yellow No. 6 may cause tumors in the adrenal glands and kidneys. These findings raise concerns about its potential carcinogenicity, warranting further investigation.[14]

Toxicological Studies
Research indicates that Yellow No. 6 may be contaminated with carcinogenic substances such as benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl, raising concerns about its safety. Additionally, animal studies have reported the development of adrenal and testicular tumors in rats administered high doses of this dye.[10]
Long-Term Safety
While regulatory agencies have established acceptable daily intake levels for Yellow No. 6, ongoing debates persist regarding its potential long-term health effects, particularly concerning carcinogenicity and behavioral impacts in children. Further research is necessary to conclusively determine the safety of prolonged consumption of this additive.[10]

High-Risk Groups
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of synthetic food dyes like Yellow No. 6, as their developing nervous systems may be more susceptible to neurobehavioral impacts. Studies have reported transient increases in hyperactivity among children after consuming artificial food dyes.[[15]
Health Impacts
Research indicates that exposure to synthetic food dyes, including Yellow No. 6, may exacerbate hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in sensitive children. A comprehensive assessment by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded that certain children may experience neurobehavioral effects following consumption of these dyes.[16]

Recommended Intake
Regulatory bodies have established acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels for Yellow No. 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set an ADI of 3.75 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, while both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have established an ADI of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.[7][17]

General Safety Level
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits the use of Yellow No. 6 in various products, it acknowledges that allergic-type reactions.[18]
Sensitive Individuals
Certain people may experience hypersensitivity reactions, such as hives and asthma, upon exposure to Yellow No. 6, with studies indicating that at least four dyes, including Yellow No. 6, can cause such responses.[10]

FAQ

What is Yellow Number 6 in food?

Yellow Number 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a synthetic food dye used in beverages, snacks, and processed foods.

Is Yellow 6 safe to consume?

Yellow 6 is approved by the FDA and considered safe, but some studies suggest it may cause hyperactivity in sensitive individuals.

References

  1. ChemicalBook Sunset Yellow FCF 2783-94-0 - ChemicalBook 2025 Available at: https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB5221910.htm ↩︎
  2. Environmental Working Group EWG's Food Scores Ingredient Artificial Color Yellow 6 Available at: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/ingredients/7378-ArtificialColorYellow6/ ↩︎
  3. u00c7olakou011flu F Selcuk ML 2020 Effects of Sunset Yellow FCF on Immune System Organs During Different Chicken Embryonic Periods Journal of Veterinary Research 64(4) 597-607 Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7734686/ ↩︎
  4. US Food and Drug Administration n.d. Code of Federal Regulations 21 - FD&C Yellow No. 6 Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-74/subpart-A/section-74.706 ↩︎
  5. Health Canada 2023 Food colours in selected foods - April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 Available at: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-safety-industry/food-chemistry-and-microbiology/testing-reports-and-journal-articles/2022-2023-food-colours ↩︎
  6. European Food Safety Authority 2009 EFSA updates safety advice on six food colours Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/091112 ↩︎
  7. World Health Organization 2011 Sunset Yellow FCF Available at: https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/2703 ↩︎
  8. Environmental Working Group n.d. FD&C Yellow No. 6 (CI 15985) Available at: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702444-FDC_Yellow_No_6_CI_15985/ ↩︎
  9. Environmental Working Group n.d. EWG's Food Scores Ingredient Artificial Color Yellow 6 Available at: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/ingredients/7378-ArtificialColorYellow6/ ↩︎
  10. Kobylewski S Jacobson MF 2012 Toxicology of food dyes International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 18(3) 220-246 Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23026007/ ↩︎
  11. US Food and Drug Administration n.d. Color Additives History Available at: https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-history ↩︎
  12. Doell DL Folmer DE Lee HS Butts KM Carberry SE 2016 Exposure estimate for FD&C color additives for the US population Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A 33(5) 782-797 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975380/ ↩︎
  13. Miller MD et al. 2022 Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children a review of the human and animal evidence Environmental Health 21(45) Available at: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-022-00849-9 ↩︎
  14. Center for Science in the Public Interest CSPI 2024 Synthetic food dyes: A rainbow of risks Available at: https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/synthetic-food-dyes-rainbow-risks ↩︎
  15. Center for Science in the Public Interest CSPI n.d. Synthetic Food Dyes and Behavioral Effects in Children Available at: https://www.cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Dyes_Fact_sheet_California_3.8.2021.pdf ↩︎
  16. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment 2021 Health Effects Assessment: Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children Available at: https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/risk-assessment/report/healthefftsassess041621.pdf ↩︎
  17. International Association of Color Manufacturers 2014 International Association of Color Manufacturers Applauds Revised EFSA Acceptable Daily Intake for Sunset Yellow Available at: https://iacmcolor.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014EFSASunsetYellowpressrelease_FINAL.pdf ↩︎
  18. US Food and Drug Administration 2023 How Safe are Color Additives? Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-safe-are-color-additives ↩︎

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