SEVERE — -15 pts

Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)

Flags: F-R03, D-R03, T-R02

Also known as: Sunset Yellow FCF, FD&C Yellow No. 6, E110, CI 15985

Kids Food & SnacksKids BeveragesKids Toothpaste

What it is

Yellow 6 is a synthetic orange-yellow azo dye used in snack foods, candy, baked goods, cereals, beverages, and some medications to produce orange, sunset, and peach colors.

SEVERE

Flagged SEVERE on the same basis as Red 40 and Yellow 5: AAP concern, Southampton Study evidence, and EU mandatory warning label requirement. Yellow 6 also contains known carcinogenic contaminants from manufacturing.

Why it matters

Behavioral effects in children: hyperactivity and inattention
Contains Sudan I, a recognized carcinogen, as a manufacturing contaminant
Allergic reactions including hives, nasal congestion, and in rare cases anaphylaxis
Potential adrenal and kidney effects at high doses in animal studies

The research

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement)

Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408 PMID: 30037975 [Source]

"Yellow 6 identified among food color additives with evidence of behavioral effects in children"

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton Study)

McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. The Lancet, 2007. 370(9598):1560-1567 PMID: 17825405 [Source]

"Yellow 6 was included in dye mixtures demonstrating increased hyperactivity in children"

Who should care most

Children ages 2-12. Individuals with aspirin sensitivity or existing allergic conditions.

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Permitted. No warning label required.
European Union	Permitted with mandatory warning label (EU Regulation 1333/2008).
Canada	Permitted.
Australia	Permitted as E110.

Sources

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement). Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408. PubMed 30037975
Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton Study). McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. The Lancet, 2007. 370(9598):1560-1567. PubMed 17825405

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.