Sunset yellow FCF (cl food grade yellow 3)

E110, also known as SY Yellow (Sunset Yellow FCF), is a synthetic azo dye widely used as a food colorant. It gives a bright, yellow‑orange colour to various products. SY Yellow is water soluble and its chemical structure includes an azo group characterised by a double bond between nitrogens. Its colour stability and intensity make it a popular choice in the food and beverage industry.

Characteristics and uses in the food industry

Characteristics

SY yellow is used in food products due to several key characteristics:

• Vivid color: Provides a bright and consistent yellow‑orange color.
• Stability.
• Solubility.
• Cost‑effectiveness: It is inexpensive to produce and use in large quantities.

Use in ultra‑processed foods

SY yellow is used in ultra‑processed foods for a variety of reasons:

• Colour enhancement: It is used to make the product visually appealing and consistent. Common in beverages, confectionery, desserts and snacks where bright colors are desirable to attract consumers, especially children. Improves the appearance of fruit drinks, ice creams and gelatines, making them more attractive and marketable.
• Brand identity: Helps maintain a consistent look and feel of products that consumers associate with specific brands. It is used in snacks, cereals and baked goods. It ensures that every batch of product looks the same, which maintains consumer expectations and brand loyalty.
• Shelf appeal: improves the attractiveness of food on the shelves, which influences consumers' purchasing decisions. It is often added to packaged foods that need to stand out among competitors. Bright and consistent colours make products more noticeable and attractive in stores.

Impact on human health

• Allergic reactions: some individuals may experience allergic reactions, including skin rashes and hives, especially those sensitive to aspirin.
• Hyperactivity in children: Studies suggest a potential link between azo dyes, including SY yellow, and hyperactivity or ADHD symptoms in children. As a result, some countries require warning labels on products containing these dyes. There is also evidence to suggest that artificial dyes, particularly in combination with the preservative sodium benzoate, may be associated with increased hyperactivity in children.
• Potentially carcinogenic: Although not classified as a carcinogen, long‑term animal studies have raised concerns about potential carcinogenicity, leading to cautious use and regulation.
• Regulatory limits: E110 is banned in Norway and Finland. It is not banned in the EU and UK, but must carry a warning label about possible negative effects on children's behaviour. Various countries have set maximum permitted limits for SY yellow in food and drink to minimise health risks. It is essential to comply with these limits to ensure safety.

Sources

1. EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). (2009). "Scientific Opinion on the re‑evaluation of Sunset Yellow FCF (E 110) as a food additive." EFSA Journal, 7(11), 1330.
2. McCann, D., Barrett, A., Cooper, A., Crumpler, D., Dalen, L., Grimshaw, K.,... & Stevenson, J. (2007). "Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3‑year‑old and 8/9‑year‑old children in the community: a randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial." The Lancet, 370(9598), 1560‑1567.
3. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). "Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors." Retrieved from FDA.gov.
4. Kobylewski, S., & Jacobson, M. F. (2012). Toxicology of food dyes. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 18(3), 220‑246. https://doi.org/10,1179/1077352512Z.00000000034
5. These references provide detailed insights and scientific backing on the properties, uses, and health considerations of Sunset Yellow FCF.