Is Yellow 6 Bad For You?
Also Known As: Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S
Short answer
Yes, FD&C Yellow dye #6 (Sunset Yellow) is bad for you. This poisonous additive provides no nutritional value and numerous harmful side effects.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Artificial dyes are an unnecessary additive in food. They are added to food and beverages for the sole purpose of making them more aesthetically pleasing. Artificial dyes have no nutritional value. Furthermore, clinical studies have proven that these dyes are highly dangerous when consumed in large amounts, over an extended period of time. Since it is so prevalent in consumer products, most people fall into that category of high long-term exposure.
Out of the numerous artificial dyes under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetics Act (FD&C), Yellow #6 is currently considered one of the most harmful, in comparison to other colors. The dye is used in many tasty treats, such as candy, cakes, and ice cream, as well as pet food, medications, and clothing.
Yellow #6, a toxic chemical, is a sulfonated form of Sudan I. This poisonous substance was one of the original petroleum azo compound dyes developed in the late 19th century during the European textile boom. Sudan 1 is classified as a level three carcinogen, meaning that it caused cancerous tumors in lab animals, but has no specific link to cancer in humans. A tiny proportion of people express an allergy to yellow #6 and experience symptoms, such as hives, asthma and skin rashes.
Similar to other dyes, it is heavily correlated with hyperactivity, especially in children. Some highly regarded studies revealed it to have carcinogenic reactions in mice, though Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, found the studies to be insignificant. The FDA continues to justify the negative effects of artificial dyes on human health, in spite of numerous studies highlighting these effects.
Recent studies conducted by Jim Stevenson, a professor at Southampton University, clearly linked yellow #6 to hyperactivity in children. The British Food Standards agency has since banned the use of this dye in any food or cosmetic product. Likewise, the Center of Science in the Public Interest in the United States has appealed to the FDA to ban the use of all artificial dyes in food and cosmetic goods.
Foods are inherently ugly. Designed for hunger, foods without these precarious color additives are not pleasing to the eyes. Regardless of how many studies are completed, poisonous additives, such as Yellow #6 remain in our food. Most people are unwilling to eat colorless foods in their natural state. It is just not pretty.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergies
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hives
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hyperactivity
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skin rashes
Possible long-term side effects
Commonly found in
- packaged snacks
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chips and crackers
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cheese-flavored varieties
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puddings and sweets
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ice cream
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cereals
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waffles
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other breakfast products
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jell-o
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starburst
Benefits
Healthier alternatives
- shop at natural foods/organic markets for dye-free foods
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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