What is yellow 6 made of?

Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF (Food Color Yellow 6), is a synthetic dye used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.

The chemical name for Yellow 6 is Disodium 6-hydroxy-5-[(4-sulfophenyl)azo]-24-napthalenedisulfonate. It is derived from coal tar and is commonly used to give a bright yellow or orange color to products such as soft drinks, candy, sauces, and desserts.

Yellow 6 has been approved for use by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), although there have been concerns raised about its safety. Some studies have suggested that Yellow 6 may cause allergic reactions in some individuals and there have also been concerns about its potential links to hyperactivity in children.

Overall, Yellow 6 is considered safe for most people in the amounts typically found in food products, but individuals with sensitivities or allergies to food dyes may want to avoid products containing this ingredient.