Artificial Colors Including Yellow 5 Lake

Artificial colors are synthetic substances created in laboratories to add color to food products. Yellow 5 Lake is a specific type of artificial color, which is the lake form of Yellow 5 (also known as Tartrazine). This means the dye is combined with a metallic salt, typically aluminum hydroxide, to make it insoluble in water.

Manufacturers add artificial colors like Yellow 5 Lake to enhance the visual appeal of foods, making them more attractive or ensuring a consistent color. Because Yellow 5 Lake is water-insoluble, it is often used in fat-based products, dry mixes, or coatings where the color needs to remain stable. It is commonly found in candies, snacks, baked goods, and some beverages.

Artificial colors, including Yellow 5 Lake, are approved food additives by the FDA. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow 5. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Yellow 5 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. There has been debate about a possible link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children; the FDA states that while there is no conclusive evidence for the general population, some children may be sensitive. Yellow 5 is also known to cause allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, in a small number of sensitive individuals.