How Unhealthy Is Yellow 6? A Comprehensive Look at a Controversial Food Dye

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2021 report by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 6, may contribute to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in children. This common food additive, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110, has been a source of public concern for decades, with debates raging about its safety and necessity in our food supply.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health controversies surrounding the artificial food coloring Yellow 6, examining its potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and carcinogenic contaminants. It discusses the current stance of regulatory bodies like the FDA and offers context on the differing regulations around the world. The role of natural alternatives is also addressed.

Key Points

Yellow 6 and Hyperactivity: The dye has been linked to increased hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues, especially in sensitive children, though research remains debated.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, itching, or digestive issues, though severe cases are rare.
Carcinogenic Contaminants: Concerns exist over the presence of benzidine, a known carcinogen, which can be a contaminant in Yellow 6, though allowed at low levels by the FDA.
Global Regulations Vary: Safety evaluations and regulations for Yellow 6 differ significantly worldwide, with stricter labeling requirements or outright bans in some countries like Norway and Finland.
Lack of Nutritional Value: Yellow 6 serves a purely aesthetic purpose, providing no nutritional benefit to consumers.
Availability of Alternatives: Natural colorings like turmeric, annatto, and beta-carotene can be used as alternatives for those who wish to avoid synthetic dyes.
Consumer Responsibility: It is the consumer's responsibility to check labels for "Yellow 6" or "E110" and make informed decisions, especially for children.

What is Yellow 6?

Yellow 6, chemically known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110, is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. It is one of the most widely used food colorings globally, providing an orange-yellow hue to a vast array of processed foods, beverages, and medications. Its primary function is aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of food products.

Yellow 6 and Hyperactivity in Children

Concerns have been raised about Yellow 6's potential link to hyperactivity in children. The 2007 "Southampton study" suggested a link between a mix of food dyes, including Sunset Yellow, and increased hyperactivity. The European Union requires a warning label on products containing this dye. While the FDA has not found enough evidence for a definitive link in the general population, reports like California's 2021 OEHHA assessment highlight concerns about effects on sensitive children and animal studies.

Allergic and Hypersensitivity Reactions

Yellow 6 can cause hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals, though rarely. Symptoms may include hives, itching, asthma-like issues, or gastrointestinal discomfort. People sensitive to aspirin might be at higher risk.

Carcinogenic Concerns

A key concern is potential contamination with benzidine, a known carcinogen, during manufacturing. While the FDA permits trace amounts, some suggest combined exposure from dyes could be unsafe. Animal studies have shown mixed results regarding Yellow 6's potential carcinogenicity. Older studies cited by the CSPI suggested links to tumors, but the FDA did not find a significant cancer risk at approved levels.

Other Potential Health Effects

Research on other potential health effects is limited or inconsistent. Some studies suggest genotoxic potential in cell cultures at high doses, while research in mice indicated high doses might increase oxidative stress and affect liver/kidney function or lead to gastrointestinal issues and disruptions to gut microbiota.

Comparison of Yellow 6 Safety Regulations


Feature	United States (FDA)	European Union (EFSA)	Other Countries (e.g., Norway, Finland)
Approval Status	Certified for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.	Approved for use as a food additive (E110).	Some countries have partially or fully banned it.
Warning Labels	No mandatory warning label for hyperactivity.	Requires labeling: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”	Varies by country; some have outright bans.
Carcinogen Contamination	Allows for low-level contamination of benzidine, deeming it safe.	Levels of potential contaminants are regulated.	Regulations vary; some have stricter limits or bans.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Based on older data, generally higher tolerance.	ADI revised over time based on new data (currently 4 mg/kg body weight).	Varies, often with more conservative limits.
Current Stance	Considers approved levels safe for the general population.	Recognizes potential links to hyperactivity and requires warnings.	Reflects greater caution, with some countries opting for bans.

Natural Alternatives to Yellow 6

For those concerned about Yellow 6, several natural options provide yellow or orange coloring. These include:

Turmeric: Provides a yellow color from curcumin.
Annatto: Offers yellow to orange hues.
Beta-Carotene: Gives a warm yellow-orange color.
Saffron: Imparts a golden-yellow color.

Conclusion

The health implications of Yellow 6 are debated, with different views from regulators and advocacy groups. While the dye is generally considered safe at approved levels, concerns persist regarding hyperactivity in sensitive children, rare allergic reactions, and trace contaminants. Given its lack of nutritional value, natural alternatives are increasingly used. Consumers should check labels for "Yellow 6" or "E110" to make informed choices.

For more information on food dye safety, resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest are available.

Citations

Center for Science in the Public Interest. "Synthetic food dyes: A rainbow of risks." CSPINews, April 15, 2024. https://www.cspi.org/cspi-news/synthetic-food-dyes-rainbow-risks food-detektiv.de. "E110 Sunset yellow FCF - Additives - Risks/Facts/Backgrounds." Dr. Watson - der Food Detektiv. https://food-detektiv.de/en/additives/?enummer=Sunset%20yellow%20FCF Environmental Working Group. "California agency acknowledges synthetic food dyes' link to hyperactivity." EWG News Insights, April 27, 2021. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2021/04/california-agency-acknowledges-synthetic-food-dyes-link-hyperactivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Yellow 6 is also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110 in Europe. It is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum.

Yes, Yellow 6 has been banned or its use heavily restricted in some countries, including Norway and Finland, due to concerns over its safety.

While the FDA has found the link inconclusive, some studies, including the 2007 Southampton study and a 2021 California OEHHA report, suggest that Yellow 6 and other food dyes can exacerbate hyperactivity in sensitive children.

There is no conclusive evidence that Yellow 6 causes cancer in humans, though some animal studies have raised concerns. The primary cancer risk concern relates to potential contamination with benzidine, a known carcinogen, during manufacturing.

Hypersensitivity reactions to Yellow 6, including hives and asthma symptoms, occur in a small number of people. Individuals with an existing sensitivity to aspirin may be more prone to a reaction.

To avoid Yellow 6, check ingredient labels for "Yellow 6," "FD&C Yellow No. 6," or "E110." Many food manufacturers now use natural color alternatives like turmeric or annatto.

Manufacturers use Yellow 6 to make processed foods and beverages more visually appealing and appetizing. It has no nutritional purpose, but its stability and bright color are desirable for food production.

The FDA considers Yellow 6 safe at approved levels and does not require a hyperactivity warning label. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority requires a specific warning label regarding potential effects on activity and attention in children.