Artificial Color Including Yellow #5

Artificial colors are synthetic substances created in laboratories, often derived from petroleum. Yellow #5, also known as tartrazine, is one specific type of artificial color.

Manufacturers add artificial colors to foods to make them more visually appealing or to restore color lost during processing. They are commonly found in baked goods like cakes and cupcakes, snack foods, candies, beverages, and some processed deli items.

In the United States, artificial colors like Yellow #5 are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food. JECFA has evaluated many artificial colors and set acceptable daily intakes for some. Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies agree. Yellow #5 has also been associated with allergic reactions in a small number of sensitive individuals. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5.