Sunset yellow
Learn what Sunset yellow (E110) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Sunset yellow?
A synthetic azo colorant. It imparts a yellow color and is allowed to be used in any type of food (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, meat products, dairy, eggs, vegetables, fruits, cereals, sweets, etc.), except for those intended for infants and young children.
Why is Sunset yellow added to food?
Sunset yellow (E110) is a colorant commonly found in: Alcoholic beverages, sweets, animal products.
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for humans is up to 2.5 mg/kg body weight, which is a very small amount, easily exceeded, especially by children. Additionally, some products may use combinations of colorants, making it difficult to calculate the exact dose.
Is Sunset yellow safe?
Low concern
Being an azo colorant, it may cause allergies and intolerance in individuals sensitive to salicylates. As a histamine liberator, it may intensify asthma symptoms. When combined with benzoates (E 210-215), it can promote hyperactivity in children (ADHD syndrome).
Is Sunset yellow banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Sunset yellow okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Sunset yellow
- Alcoholic beverages
- sweets
- animal products
How to spot Sunset yellow on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E110
- Sunset yellow
Common misspellings to watch for:
- sunset yellow
- $unset yellow
- sun$et yellow
Better alternatives
• Can cause asthma, taste perception dysfunctions, chromosomal damage, vascular spasms, blockage of digestive enzymes, kidney tumors.
Also known as
- sunset yellow
- $unset yellow
- sun$et yellow
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sunset yellow? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E110 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sunset yellow
- Is Sunset yellow safe to eat?
- Being an azo colorant, it may cause allergies and intolerance in individuals sensitive to salicylates. As a histamine liberator, it may intensify asthma symptoms. When combined with benzoates (E 210-215), it can promote hyperactivity in children (ADHD syndrome).
- Is Sunset yellow banned anywhere?
- Sunset yellow is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Sunset yellow safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Sunset yellow on a food label?
- Look for E110, Sunset yellow in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: sunset yellow, $unset yellow, sun$et yellow.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.