110 Sunset Yellow FCF
What is sunset yellow FCF, and where is it used?
Sunset Yellow FCF, also known as E110, is a synthetic yellow food colourant used widely in the food industry [1-2]. It belongs to the azo dye class and provides a vibrant orange to yellow-orange colour. It is commonly used in various food and beverage applications, including desserts, candies, carbonated drinks, and sauces. Its vibrant hue adds visual appeal and enhances the overall aesthetic of food products.
Purported Health Benefits
While Sunset Yellow FCF is primarily used as a food colouring agent, there does not appear to be conclusive evidence of specific health benefits associated with its consumption [1, 3]. It is important to note that quinoline yellow is a synthetic additive and does not possess inherent nutritional or health-promoting properties.
Recommendations for Safe Consumption While Sunset Yellow FCF is generally considered safe for consumption within established limits, there have been concerns about its potential health implications.
Moderation: Consume foods containing Sunset Yellow FCF in moderation. While it is considered safe within regulatory limits, excessive intake may lead to potential adverse effects [3-4]. Follow recommended serving sizes and consider overall dietary balance.
Individual Sensitivities: Be aware of any sensitivities or allergies you may have to synthetic food colorings, including Sunset Yellow FCF [4]. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as respiratory issues, skin rashes, or digestive discomfort, after consuming Sunset Yellow FCF.
Read Product Labels: Stay informed and read food product labels to identify the presence of Sunset Yellow FCF or other synthetic food colorings. This allows you to make informed choices based on your preferences or any sensitivities you may have.
Consult Healthcare Professionals: If you have specific health concerns, such as known allergies or sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian who can provide personalised advice tailored to your individual needs and help you navigate potential risks associated with Sunset Yellow FCF.
Varied Diet: Prioritise a diverse range of whole, unprocessed foods that naturally possess vibrant colours, reducing reliance on synthetic food colorings like Sunset Yellow FCF. This ensures a well-rounded nutritional intake while minimising potential risks associated with additives.
Food Choices: Opt for foods that naturally exhibit bright colours without the need for synthetic additives. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your diet not only provides natural colours but also offers numerous health benefits.
References
Downham A, Collins P. Colouring our foods in the last and next millennium. International journal of food science & technology. 2000 Feb;35(1):5-22.
Silva MM, Reboredo FH, Lidon FC. Food colour additives: A synoptical overview on their chemical properties, applications in food products, and health side effects. Foods. 2022 Jan 28;11(3):379.
Rovina K, Prabakaran PP, Siddiquee S, Shaarani SM. Methods for the analysis of Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) in food and beverage products-a review. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 2016 Dec 1;85:47-56.
Kaya SI, Cetinkaya A, Ozkan SA. Latest advances on the nanomaterials-based electrochemical analysis of azo toxic dyes Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine in food samples. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2021 Oct 1;156:112524.
Disclaimer
We do our best to source robust information from a number of credible sources. There is, however, a large amount of information on various aspects of nutritional elements along with claims in terms of their contribution to helping in body health which may contradict the above.