Artificial Color Including Yellow #6

Artificial colors are synthetic substances used to add or restore color to foods. Yellow #6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a specific type of artificial color that is made from petroleum. These colors are produced through chemical synthesis rather than being derived from natural sources.

Manufacturers add artificial colors like Yellow #6 to make foods more appealing and to maintain a consistent appearance. It is commonly used in a wide range of processed foods, including baked goods like cakes and snack cakes, candies, beverages, and cereals. Its primary function is to provide a vibrant yellow-orange hue.

Yellow #6 is approved by the FDA as a color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #6. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated Yellow #6. Some studies have explored a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive across all scientific bodies. The FDA maintains that Yellow #6 is safe for consumption under current regulations.