An electrochemical sensor was developed for the determination of synthetic food color, sunset yellow (SY), based on the electrocatalytic properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube and gold nanoparticle (MWCNT/AuNP) composite. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with MWCNT/AuNP nanocomposite film exhibited excellent electron transfer ability toward the oxidation of SY with high sensitivity and stability. A pair of well defined quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric peaks were observed with the formal potential (E 0 = −108 mV) vs. Ag/AgCl in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Various kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the redox reaction such as standard heterogeneous rate constant (k s = 7.944 × 10 −1 s −1 ), electron transfer coefficient (α = 0.487), number of electrons (n = 1) exchanged and free energy of activation ( G) were calculated. Under optimum conditions, the nanocomposite film modified electrode showed a linear response in the range from 1 × 10 −6 to 1 × 10 −5 M, with a limit of detection 4.03 × 10 −8 M. Analytical application of the developed sensor for quantitative determination of SY in commercially available soft drink samples were discussed.Synthetic colourants are usually added to foodstuffs and soft drinks to make them more attractive 1,2 and the use of these dyes in food industry, is strictly controlled by different national legislations. 3 If the colourants are consumed above the acceptable daily level, it may result in allergic reactions, migraine, eczema, anxiety, diarrhea and even cancer. 4,5 Sunset yellow, E 110 (SY) is one of the most commonly used synthetic dye which is added to many food products. The maximum permissible level of SY in food stuffs should not be more than 100 μgmL −1 either individually or in combination with other dyes. 5 Consequently, accurate and reliable methods for the determination of SY are essential for ensuring the quality and safety of food products.Several analytical methods based on spectrophotomery, 6,7 high performance liquid chromatography, 8,9 thin layer chromatography, 10 capillary electrophoresis 11 and column chromatography 12 for the determination of SY individually or in combination with other dyes have been reported. But they are prone to many drawbacks, such as expensiveness, cumbersome procedures and not suitable for field use. Electrochemical methods are also used for the determination of SY and their advantages include high sensitivity, simplicity and low cost and suitability for in-situ determination over conventional classic methods. 4,5,13,14 Integration of nanotechnology with electrochemistry is expected to bring about significant progress in the field of electrochemical sensors. 15 Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), especially multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have wide applications in electrochemistry due to their small dimensions, high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, unique structures, significant mechanical strength and good chemical stability, 16 therefore regarded as a potential material to modify the electrode. Recentl...