What it is
A synthetic orange-yellow azo dye from petroleum precursors.
What it does
Colourant for foods, drinks, and cosmetics.
Why it’s a concern
Part of the Southampton six dyes linked to hyperactivity in McCann et al. 2007. Contains trace benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl contamination per US FDA testing. The EU requires a warning label on foods containing it.
Also known as
yellow 6sunset yellow FCFCI 15985e110
CAS numbers
2783-94-0
Commonly found in
soft drinksbaked goodscandymedication
Safer alternatives
- beta-carotene
- annatto
- paprika extract
Sources
- McCann et al. 2007, Lancet