Ingredient · E102

Artificial Colors: FD&C Yellow No. 5

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow No. 5 to give foods a vivid yellow color. It …

What it is

FD&C Yellow No. 5, also known as tartrazine, is a synthetic food coloring. It is a petroleum-based dye manufactured to create a bright yellow hue.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow No. 5 to give foods a vivid yellow color. It is commonly found in candies, beverages, baked goods, snack foods, and some processed cheeses.

Health notes

FD&C Yellow No. 5 is an FDA-approved color additive for food, drugs, and cosmetics. In April 2025, FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow No. 5. Some individuals may experience allergic-type reactions, such as hives or asthma, though this is rare. Scientific evidence on whether it causes hyperactivity in children is mixed, with some studies suggesting a link and others finding no clear connection. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated FD&C Yellow No. 5 and set an acceptable daily intake.

Allergen info

FD&C Yellow No. 5 is not a major allergen and is not derived from any of the nine major allergens.

Products containing Artificial Colors: FD&C Yellow No. 5

Compare products →

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.