And Yellow Lake #5

Yellow Lake #5 is a color additive used in food. It is the "lake" form of Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine. It is made by combining the water-soluble Yellow 5 dye with an inert material, typically aluminum hydroxide, to create a pigment that is insoluble in water.

It is added to foods to give them a yellow color. Because it is insoluble, it is often used in products where the color needs to stay stable and not bleed, such as in seasoning mixes, snacks, and coatings.

Yellow Lake #5 is an FDA-approved color additive, meaning each batch requires certification. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow 5 and its lake forms. JECFA has evaluated Tartrazine (Yellow 5) and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated Tartrazine and concluded it is safe at established levels. There has been mixed evidence regarding a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity in some children; some studies suggest a link, while others do not find consistent evidence.