Alternate Names

Monoazo, Sunset Yellow, Orange Yellow S, Sunset Yellow FCF, Coal Tar

Description

Also see Food, Drug & Cosmetic Colors (FD&C). This azo dye is derived from coal tar to produce a variety of shades ranging from yellow, to orange or red.

Additional Information

Due to several studies on children and hyperactivity, the European Union requires food containing this colorant to have a label which states: "may have an adverse effect on activity in children" (see In the News section below).

Found In

marzipan, jelly, jam, marmalade, soup mix, breadcrumbs, cereal, soft drinks, candy, cheese sauce, chips, cookies

Possible Health Effects

Hyperactivity in children. Exacerbation of asthma. Hives, headache, skin rash also reported. Caution advised to those with aspirin sensitivities as reactions can occur.

Allergy Information

May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals

In The News

In December 2008, the European Union took action to require special labeling on foods containing any of 6 different artificial food colorings. The warning label states that the food "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" and the mandate went into effect on July 20, 2010.

Online Resources/Related

• Food Standards Agency, Agency Revises Advice on Certain Artificial Colours, September 11, 2007, Food Standards Agency (an independent government department in the UK)
• European Food Safety Authority, Statement on Food Additives and Developmental Neurotoxicity, January 2006, European Food Safety Authority, Committee on Toxicity
• Center for Science in the Public Interest, Letter to the FDA: Petition to Ban the Use of Yellow 5 and Other Food Dyes, June 3, 2008, Center for Science in the Public Interest

Print Resources

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives, 7th Edition: Descriptions in Plain English of More Than 12,000 Ingredients Both Harmful and Desirable Found in Foods. Three Rivers Press, 2009
• Statham, Bill. Eat Safe: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum. Running Press, 2008
• Minich, Deanna M. An A-Z Guide to Food Additives: Never Eat What You Can't Pronounce. Conari Press, 2009
• Farlow, Christine Hoza, D.C.Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide To What's Safe & What's Not. KISS For Health Publishing, 2007 Revised Edition

Copyright August 8, 2010 Be Food Smart