E110

Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6)

Synthetic Yellow-Orange Dye with Hyperactivity Concerns

What is E110 (Sunset Yellow)?

E110 is Sunset Yellow FCF, a synthetic yellow-orange dye made from petroleum (coal tar derivative).

Also known as:

• Yellow 6 (US name)
• FD&C Yellow No. 6
• Orange Yellow S
• C.I. Food Yellow 3

Why it's used:

• Yellow-orange colour in drinks, sweets, and snacks
• Replaces banned dyes (like E103 chrysoine)
• Cheap and stable – doesn't fade with heat or light
• Enhances "orange" appearance without natural orange colour

Where is E110 Found?

Sweets & Snacks:

• Orange and lemon sweets
• Jelly sweets and gummies
• Cheese-flavoured crisps
• Custard powder

Drinks:

• Orange soft drinks and squash
• Some energy drinks
• Flavoured cordials

Other Foods:

• Tinned processed foods (baked beans, spaghetti hoops)
• Packet soups and sauces
• Apricot jam
• Marzipan
• Hot chocolate powder
• Breakfast cereals

Non-Food Uses:

• Medicines (particularly children's syrups)
• Cosmetics

Health Concerns

1. Hyperactivity in Children (Southampton Study)

E110 was one of six dyes tested in the 2007 Southampton Study, which found:

• Increased hyperactivity in children aged 3 and 8-9
• Reduced attention span and focus
• Effects seen in general population, not just children with ADHD
• Combined effect with preservative E211 (sodium benzoate)

Result: UK and EU now require warning labels on products containing E110.

2. Allergic Reactions (Particularly Aspirin Sensitivity)

E110 is one of the most allergenic food dyes, especially for people sensitive to aspirin:

• Cross-reactivity with aspirin and NSAIDs (ibuprofen)
• Skin reactions: hives, rashes, itching
• Asthma attacks in sensitive individuals
• Rhinitis (runny nose)
• Migraines in some people

Why the cross-reactivity? E110 is an azo dye structurally similar to aspirin – the immune system may confuse them.

3. Possible Tumour Risks (Animal Studies)

• Some animal studies showed kidney and adrenal tumours at high doses
• Human evidence: No clear cancer link in humans at normal consumption levels
• Regulatory agencies consider it safe at approved doses

4. Azo Dye Breakdown

E110 is an azo dye, which breaks down in the gut:

• Gut bacteria metabolize E110 into aromatic amines
• Some breakdown products may be harmful
• Long-term health effects unclear

UK Warning Label Requirement

Since 2010, UK products containing E110 must display:

"May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"

This warning applies to six synthetic dyes: E102, E110, E122, E124, E129, and E104.

Regulatory Status

UK/EU: Approved with ADI of 4mg per kg body weight. Warning label required.

US: FDA approved (called Yellow 6). No warning label required.

Norway: Banned until 2000, now permitted with restrictions

Who Should Avoid E110?

❌ Must Avoid:

• People with aspirin allergy or intolerance – high cross-reactivity risk
• Children with ADHD – may worsen hyperactivity
• Known allergy to azo dyes
• People with asthma – may trigger attacks
• Chronic urticaria sufferers – may worsen hives

⚠️ Consider Limiting:

• All children – precautionary approach based on Southampton Study
• People prone to migraines
• Anyone avoiding synthetic additives

Natural Alternatives

Many manufacturers now use safer yellow-orange colourings:

• Beta-carotene (E160a) – from carrots (natural, safe)
• Turmeric/Curcumin (E100) – natural yellow
• Annatto (E160b) – yellow-orange from achiote seeds
• Paprika extract (E160c) – orange-red

The Bottom Line

• ⚠️ UK warning label required – may affect children's behaviour
• ⚠️ High allergy risk – especially aspirin-sensitive people
• ⚠️ Hyperactivity concerns – Southampton Study evidence
• ⚠️ Cross-reactivity with aspirin and NSAIDs
• ⚠️ Azo dye breakdown – gut metabolites may be harmful
• ⚠️ Possible tumour risk at high doses (animal studies)

Our recommendation: Limit E110, especially for children and aspirin-sensitive individuals. Choose products with natural yellow-orange colourings (beta-carotene, turmeric) when available.

Last updated: February 2026