Sunset Yellow Fcf

Sunset Yellow FCF, also known as Yellow 6, is a synthetic azo dye. It is produced through chemical synthesis, typically derived from petroleum. It is used to impart a yellow-orange color to various food products.

Manufacturers add Sunset Yellow FCF to foods and beverages as a coloring agent. It is commonly found in products such as candies, powdered drinks, ice cream, and baked goods to achieve a desirable yellow or orange hue.

Sunset Yellow FCF is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated Sunset Yellow FCF and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have explored a potential link between synthetic food dyes, including Sunset Yellow FCF, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed. The FDA maintains that current scientific evidence does not show a causal link between these dyes and hyperactivity in the general population, but acknowledges that some children may be sensitive. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 6.