Sunset Yellow FCF
A synthetic orange azo dye and one of the Southampton Six. The EU requires a hyperactivity warning on foods that contain it.
Sunset Yellow FCF is a petroleum-derived azo dye that gives food an orange or yellow colour. It adds nothing nutritionally.
What the research says
It was one of the dyes in the 2007 Southampton study that linked mixtures of synthetic colours to increased hyperactivity in children. Since 2010 the EU has required foods containing it to carry the warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". India permits it within set limits and has no equivalent warning.
Where you will find it
Flavoured milks, drink powders, sweets, jellies, coloured snacks and some sauces.
CleanPlate verdict
A purely cosmetic additive with a credible question mark over children's behaviour. Natural colours such as paprika extract or beta-carotene do the same job.
Found in
Products we've rated that list Sunset Yellow FCF, best first.
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