And Yellow #6 Lakes

Yellow #6 Lake is a color additive made by combining the synthetic dye Yellow #6 with an inert material, usually aluminum hydroxide. This process creates an insoluble pigment that is stable in fats and oils.

Manufacturers use Yellow #6 Lake to add a yellow-orange color to foods, especially those with low moisture or high fat content. It is commonly found in candies, chocolates, baked goods, and coatings where it provides consistent color without bleeding.

Yellow #6 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive, meaning it has been evaluated and found safe for use in food when used according to regulations. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #6. Some studies have explored a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #6, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed. The FDA maintains that current scientific evidence does not establish a causal link between these dyes and behavioral problems in the general population. JECFA has evaluated Yellow #6 and set an acceptable daily intake.