E110 — Sunset Yellow FCF
Orange-yellow food coloring
Also known as: CI 15985 · Orange Yellow S · Sunset Yellow FCF · FD&C Yellow No. 6
Verification required
Verify — Mushbooh
Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
Is E110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) halal?
E110 (Sunset Yellow) is Mushbooh. In dry powder form it is Halal — synthetic and free of animal derivatives. In liquid concentrate form it depends on the solvent: water-based solvents are Halal, alcohol-based solvents are Haram. The solvent is not declared on the label.
Checking this in a shop right now?
Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code
HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe
Neither? Follow the steps below.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Verify source
Maliki
May permit
Shafi'i
Avoid if animal
Hanbali
Avoid if animal
Synthetic azo dye - halal in dry form. Liquid form requires halal solvent. Part of the 'Southampton Six' colors linked to hyperactivity in children.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E110 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
Look for a halal certification logo on the pack
An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.
Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.
Did you find a certified alternative?
Verified halal alternatives:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E110
Color. It is a chemical dye and it is Halal as dry powder. Only 2% of it is not soluble in water.. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E110 made from?
- synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived)
Found in products
⚠️ Product formulations change. Always verify by checking the current ingredient list on the packaging.
Possible Impurities
Beyond the declared ingredient, these processing factors may also affect halal status:
- • Sudan I (azo dye impurity) — a carcinogenic red dye sometimes found as a contaminant in industrial Sunset Yellow; not an intentional ingredient but has appeared in adulterated batches.
- • Alcohol-based solvents — E110 is often supplied as a liquid concentrate dissolved in propylene glycol or, occasionally, ethanol; the solvent used is not declared separately on labels.
Regulatory Status by Country
Mandatory Warning Required
- ⚠ European Union (since 2010) — products must carry the label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
- ⚠ United Kingdom (retained EU rule post-Brexit) — same hyperactivity warning required
Restricted
- ○ Norway — historically restricted use of artificial azo dyes including Sunset Yellow in certain product categories
- ○ Austria — stricter application controls for synthetic azo food dyes
Foods that commonly contain E110
Food Category Guide
E110 is common in biscuits — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E110 (Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S) halal?
E110 (Sunset Yellow) is Mushbooh. In dry powder form it is Halal — synthetic and free of animal derivatives. In liquid concentrate form it depends on the solvent: water-based solvents are Halal, alcohol-based solvents are Haram. The solvent is not declared on the label.
What is E110 used for?
E110 is used as a orange-yellow food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E110?
E110 (Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S) is commonly found in: orange squash, marmalade, lemon curd, marzipan, biscuits, crisps, sweets.
What is E110 made from?
E110 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived).
What are the other names for E110?
E110 may appear on food labels as: CI 15985, Orange Yellow S, Sunset Yellow FCF, FD&C Yellow No. 6.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
Show 9 more food colors E-codes
Related reading
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Commonly appears with
These E-codes often appear on the same food label — check them too.
This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.