All color additives used in foods, drugs and cosmetics in the United States must be approved by FDA and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. In some cases, FDA requires that each batch of color produced for use in regulated products can be used only if it is certified by the agency to meet strict specifications. FDA maintains a laboratory especially for this purpose and color manufacturers must pay a fee to support this activity. FDA only approves colors after extensive review of all safety data and publication of the basis for its approval in the Federal Register.

You can find out more about FDA regulation of colors at:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-col.html

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Yellow 11
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...

Yellow 11 is listed as CI 47000 in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union (see Annex IV) and is a coloring agent allowed in cosmetics and personal care products intended not to come into contact with the mucous membranes. When used in cosmetic products in the European Union, this ingredient must be called CI 47000.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/documents/di...

You can learn more about the regulation and labeling of colors at: http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/colors-cosmetics-regulati...

Certifiable color additive such as Yellow 11 are used widely because their coloring ability is more intense than most colors derived from natural products; thus, they are often added in smaller quantities. In addition, certifiable color additives are more stable, provide better color uniformity and blend together easily to provide a wide range of hues. Certifiable color additives generally do not impart undesirable odors or flavors while color derived from foods such as beets and cranberries can produce such unintended effects. Certifiable color additives typically are available for use as either "dyes" or "lakes." Dyes dissolve in water and are manufactured as powders, granules, liquids or other special purpose forms. Lakes are the water insoluble form of the dye.

Yellow 11 is principally 2-(2-quinolyl)-1,3-indandione. In cosmetics and personal care products. Yellow 11 functions as a colorant.