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E110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) – Food Colouring Guide

E110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) is a synthetic azo dye used to give foods and drinks an orange-yellow colour. It has been linked to hyperactivity in children.

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Things worth knowing about "E110"

E110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) is a synthetic azo dye used to give foods and drinks an orange-yellow colour. It has been linked to hyperactivity in children.

What is E110?

E110, commonly known as Sunset Yellow FCF (also listed as Orange Yellow S or FD&C Yellow 6 in the United States), is a synthetic azo dye approved as a food additive in the European Union and many other countries. It imparts a characteristic orange-yellow colour to food and beverages and must be declared on product labels either as E110 or as Sunset Yellow FCF.

Uses and Occurrence

E110 is used in a wide range of processed food products, including:

Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
Sweets and confectionery
Desserts, puddings, and jellies
Jams and marmalades
Savoury snacks
Certain pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements (as an excipient)

The maximum permitted levels vary by food category and are regulated under EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.

Chemical Properties

Sunset Yellow FCF belongs to the class of azo dyes, characterised by the presence of an azo group (-N=N-). It is water-soluble and heat-stable, making it well-suited for use in food processing. Its molecular formula is C₁₆H₁₀N₂Na₂O₇S₂.

Health Aspects and Risks

The safety profile of E110 has been the subject of ongoing scientific review:

Hyperactivity in Children

A landmark study conducted at the University of Southampton in 2007 (the Southampton study) found an association between consumption of a mixture of certain artificial food colours, including E110, and increased hyperactivity in children. As a result, the EU requires that foods containing these six so-called Southampton colours carry the warning label: May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

Allergic Reactions

E110 may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly in those with aspirin or salicylate intolerance. Reported symptoms include skin rashes, hives (urticaria), and in rare cases, respiratory difficulties.

ADI Value

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 4 mg per kg of body weight per day for E110. Under normal dietary conditions, the majority of consumers are unlikely to exceed this level.

Labelling Requirements in the EU

Under EU regulations, all food products containing E110 and five other azo dyes (the Southampton colours) must carry a mandatory warning on the packaging. This requirement is designed to help consumers, especially parents, make informed dietary choices for their children.

Tips for Consumers

Read ingredient lists on food packaging carefully to identify E110.
If a child shows signs of hyperactivity or attention difficulties, consider reducing intake of foods containing artificial azo dyes.
Where possible, choose products that use natural colouring agents as an alternative.
Individuals with known aspirin or salicylate sensitivity should avoid E110.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Sunset Yellow FCF (E 110) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2009.
McCann D. et al.: Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 2007; 370(9598):1560-1567.
European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.

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