E110: Sunset yellow FCF
What is E110?
Sunset yellow FCF (E110) is a synthetic orange-yellow food colour from the azo dye family. It is a water-soluble powder producing warm orange shades.
Origin and production
It is manufactured by chemical synthesis from petroleum-derived aromatic compounds and purified to food-grade standards.
Why is it used?
Sunset yellow colours orange-flavoured drinks, sweets, desserts, snacks, biscuits and cake decorations. It is known as Yellow 6 in the United States.
Vegan, vegetarian and halal
Sunset yellow is synthesised without animal ingredients and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It does not raise particular halal or kosher issues.
Safety and regulation
Sunset yellow FCF is authorised in the EU with maximum levels, which were lowered after EFSA's re-evaluation. It is one of the six 'Southampton' colours, so foods containing it in the EU must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.
Written by the Foodlas editorial team with AI assistance and checked against EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and EFSA scientific opinions. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 · EFSA — Food additives · Wikidata
Common in
Products containing E110
