Artificial Color FD&C Yellow #5

FD&C Yellow #5, also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic food coloring. It is manufactured from petroleum and is one of the most widely used artificial yellow dyes in the food industry.

Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow #5 to impart a bright yellow color to various food products. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods, snack foods, beverages, and desserts.

FDA has approved FD&C Yellow #5 as a color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #5, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link. JECFA has evaluated this additive and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it.