What is Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)?
Last updated on: 12/24/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
7
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe within authorized limits, but some sensitive individuals may experience intolerance reactions.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) also known as FD&C Yellow No. 6. is a synthetic orange/yellow azo dye used to colour foods and drinks such as soft drinks, confectionery, desserts, snacks, sauces, and bakery items.
Safety Summary
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Approved by all major regulatory bodies worldwide.
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Permitted by WHO across many food categories with maximum levels.
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Permitted in India (FSSAI) with category-wise limits.
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The sensitivity group involves individuals sensitive to azo dyes, occupational users handling them in powder form, and children consuming multiple colored products frequently.
Who should be cautious?
Sensitive individuals to azo dyes; occupational users handling in powder forms; animals if combined with other colourants (no combined-use data available)
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E110 |
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INS Number : |
INS-110 |
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Category : |
Colour |
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Sub-category : |
Synthetic azo dye |
|
Origin : |
Synthetic (Chemically derived) |
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Used In : |
Food |
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Alternative Names : |
110, FD&C Yellow No. 6; Orange Yellow S |
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Similar Ingredients : |
Tartrazine (E102), Allura Red AC (E129), Ponceau 4R (E124) |
Common Products
You may find it in the following food products:
- Soft drinks (like Lemon-Lime Gatorade),
- Baked goods,
- Candies,
- Ice cream,
- Processed snacks.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Used in food consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice; no specific numerical limit beyond GMP. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Group Average Daily intake(ADI): 4 mg/kg body weight per day |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (with mandatory labelling) |
Permitted in specified food categories with category-wise maximum limits as per Food Safety and Standards Regulations |
Health concerns
- EFSA reviewed toxicological and exposure data and did not identify genotoxic or carcinogenic concerns at authorised use levels.
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EFSA noted exposure estimates were below the ADI for all age groups after the ADI was set at 4 mg/kg bw/day, but “high consumption” is the key in risk management.
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EFSA’s review discusses that a small number of individuals may report intolerance-type reactions (e.g., skin/respiratory symptoms). These reactions occur at low frequency, and do not represent a general population risk
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FDA and EFSA evaluations emphasize impurity controls as part of safe use.
Conclusions
Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) is a widely regulated synthetic colour accepted by EFSA, WHO/JECFA, FDA, and FSSAI. When consumed within established average daily intakes, it is considered safe for the general population, the main cautions being very high combined intake and rare sensitivity in some individuals; hence, moderate consumption is advised by studies.