Is Yellow Dye 6 Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Yellow Dye 6 is banned in 2 countries/regions (including Norway (historical), Finland (historical)), though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Yellow Dye 6 on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Fanta Orange, Tropicana Orange Drink, Doritos Nacho Cheese.
TL;DR: Yellow Dye 6 is banned in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Yellow Dye 6: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Fanta Orange, Tropicana Orange Drink, Doritos Nacho Cheese, Cheetos (classic), Kraft Mac & Cheese, Mountain Dew |
What is Yellow Dye 6?
Yellow Dye 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) is a synthetic orange-yellow azo dye derived from petroleum. It produces a bright orange-yellow color and is structurally similar to Yellow 5 but produces a more orange shade. Its chemical formula is C16H10N2Na2O7S2.
Why is Yellow Dye 6 used in food?
Yellow Dye 6 provides a stable orange-yellow color to beverages, confections, cereals, and medications. It is heat-stable, acid-stable, and inexpensive. Combined with other dyes it creates a range of orange and red tones, making it versatile for product formulation.
What regulators have flagged about Yellow Dye 6
Yellow Dye 6 was included in the 2007 Lancet study (McCann et al.), which found that a mixture of six dyes including Yellow 6 and sodium benzoate significantly increased hyperactivity in children. EFSA confirmed the effect warranted mandatory warning labels in the EU. EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation examined animal carcinogenicity data and found some studies showing adrenal tumors in male mice at high doses. EFSA set an ADI of 2.5 mg/kg body weight — lower than Yellow 5's ADI of 7.5 mg/kg, reflecting greater concern. The review noted limitations in the available data. Impurity concerns: commercial batches of Yellow 6 have been found to contain aromatic amine impurities including benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl — both IARC Group 1 human carcinogens. A 1992 CSPI analysis documented these impurities, citing them as reason for concern. A 2007 study in Toxicological Sciences found Yellow 6 altered zinc and iron biomarker levels in rat blood at high doses, raising mineral metabolism concerns. Human relevance at typical exposure is unclear. Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, rhinitis, and contact dermatitis are documented. Cross-reactivity with aspirin is reported similarly to Yellow 5. In April 2025, the FDA announced plans to phase out Yellow 6 with other petroleum-based dyes.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Yellow Dye 6 with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Yellow Dye 6 →
Audited products that don't contain Yellow Dye 6.
As an Amazon Associate, BannedPantry earns from qualifying purchases. This never influences our ratings — see Affiliate Disclosure.
Yellow Dye 6 and pregnancy: common questions
Is Yellow Dye 6 banned anywhere?
Yes. Yellow Dye 6 is banned in Norway (historical), Finland (historical); restricted in European Union (mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'), United Kingdom. The FDA still allows it in the US.
Should I avoid Yellow Dye 6 during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Yellow Dye 6?
Commonly found in Fanta Orange, Tropicana Orange Drink, Doritos Nacho Cheese, Cheetos (classic), Kraft Mac & Cheese, Mountain Dew. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Yellow Dye 6.
What can I use instead of Yellow Dye 6?
Beta-carotene from carrots (E160a) provides yellow-orange tones. Annatto seed extract (E160b) provides yellow to orange shades. Paprika extract (E160c) provides orange-red. Turmeric (curcumin) provides deep yellow. Many European and natural See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Yellow Dye 6 or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
Sources
- FDA Color Additive Status List — FDA
- McCann et al. Food colors and hyperactivity, The Lancet 2007 — The Lancet
- EFSA re-evaluation of Sunset Yellow FCF (E 110) 2009 — EFSA
- Arnold et al. Artificial Food Colors and ADHD, Neurotherapeutics 2012 — NIH/PMC
- FDA 2025 Dye Phase-Out Announcement — FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.