Is Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E110

Also known as: FD&C Yellow No. 6, Orange Yellow S, CI 15985

Source

A synthetic azo dye produced from petrochemicals. Entirely synthetic with no animal-derived components.

Commonly found in

Orange-coloured drinks, sweets, jelly, apricot jam, marmalade, some medications, biscuits.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed — E110 is vegan. Natural alternatives include beta-carotene (E160a) or annatto (E160b) for orange shades.

Notes

One of the 'Southampton Six' food dyes linked to hyperactivity in children (McCann et al., The Lancet, 2007). Carries the EU mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. Banned in Norway and Finland. Permitted in the USA, UK, and EU. Vegan but controversial for health reasons unrelated to animal welfare.