Sunset Yellow FCF
Score impact
-0.70
points/product
Description
E110, known as Sunset Yellow FCF or Orange Yellow S, is a synthetic colorant from the azo dye family. It is produced industrially by diazotization of 6-amino-1-hydroxynaphthalene-3-sulfonic acid and coupling with 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, followed by purification and drying.
It appears as a reddish-orange powder or granules, soluble in water (approximately 100 g/L at 20 °C) and slightly soluble in ethanol. Its chemical formula is C16H10N2Na2O7S2 and its molecular weight is 452.37 g/mol. It is stable to light, heat, and pH between 3 and 8, but may decolorize in the presence of reducing agents or under strong alkaline conditions. Its main function is to provide a yellow-orange color to foods, often combined with other colorants to obtain specific shades.
It was approved for use in foods in the European Union in 1994 (Directive 94/36/EC) and is currently regulated by Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has re-evaluated its safety several times, most recently in 2010 (EFSA Journal 2010;8(11):1930), establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg/kg body weight per day. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have also evaluated E110, setting the same ADI.
The overall safety assessment indicates that, within the established limits, it does not pose a significant risk to the health of the general population. However, adverse reactions have been reported in sensitive individuals, such as urticaria or exacerbation of asthma, and it has been associated with hyperactivity in children, leading the EU to require the warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" on products containing it. In labeling, it must appear as "color: sunset yellow FCF" or "E110".
E110 is used in a wide variety of processed foods, mainly those requiring an attractive yellow or orange color. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, it is authorized in categories such as: non-alcoholic beverages (up to 100 mg/L), ice cream (up to 150 mg/kg), confectionery (up to 300 mg/kg), desserts (up to 200 mg/kg), sauces and condiments (up to 500 mg/kg), and snack products (up to 200 mg/kg).
In the Spanish market, it is commonly found in orange soft drinks, candies, jellies, instant soups, corn snacks, and some industrial bakery products. For example, brands like Fanta orange (in some countries) or certain hard candies contain E110. Maximum limits vary by category; for instance, in flavored alcoholic beverages the limit is 200 mg/L.
In comparison with the US FDA, E110 is approved as FD&C Yellow No. 6, with similar limits, although in the EU the warning about childhood hyperactivity is required, while in the US it is not mandatory. In Japan, the use of E110 is restricted in some foods, such as infant products.
Documented side effects of E110 include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as urticaria, angioedema, and exacerbation of asthma. A classic study (Stevenson et al., 1986) found that doses of 20 mg could trigger symptoms in individuals with aspirin sensitivity.
The proposed biological mechanism involves histamine release from mast cells, although it is not fully elucidated. Additionally, several studies have associated the consumption of azo dyes, including E110, with increased hyperactivity in children. The study by McCann et al. (2007) (The Lancet, 2007;370:1560-1567) showed that mixtures of colorants (including E110) with sodium benzoate increased hyperactive behavior in children aged 3 and 8-9 years.
As a result, EFSA established that foods containing E110 must carry the warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." Sensitive populations include people with asthma, aspirin allergy, or salicylate intolerance.
No significant interactions with medications have been documented, although caution is recommended in patients with a history of allergic reactions. EFSA and WHO conclude that, in the general population and within the ADI of 4 mg/kg/day, E110 does not pose a significant health risk. However, due to evidence on hyperactivity, moderation is recommended in children.
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- Sunset Yellow FCF
- Orange Yellow S
- C.I. 15985
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