Yellow #6 Color

Yellow #6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a synthetic orange-yellow food dye. It is manufactured from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used artificial colors in the food industry.

Manufacturers add Yellow #6 to provide an orange-yellow color to a wide variety of foods and beverages. It is frequently found in snacks like popcorn and peanuts, baking decorations, dessert toppings, and deli salads, as well as in candies, soft drinks, and cereals.

Yellow #6 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. JECFA has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #6, and hyperactivity in some children; however, the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies have different conclusions. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #6.