E110: Nutrition, Pros & Cons
E110, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a synthetic coal tar-derived azo food dye used to add an orange-yellow hue to processed foods and drinks. It serves a purely cosmetic purpose with no nutritional value, and its usage is strictly monitored and restricted to specific food products under regulatory limits.
Health conditions
Pros
- Approved for aesthetic food coloring within highly controlled maximum permissible limits in designated food categories to prevent overexposure. [FSSAI]
Cons
- It is a synthetic food additive with zero nutritional value, commonly found in ultra-processed foods that are recommended for restriction in healthy diets. [ICMR-NIN]
- Exposure to azo dyes like E110 has been associated with hypersensitivity and allergic-like reactions in sensitive individuals. [PubMed]
Key nutrients
- None — E110 is a synthetic color additive and does not supply any essential vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients.