C Yellow #6

Yellow 6 is a synthetic food coloring. It is an azo dye, meaning it is produced through a chemical reaction involving petroleum-based raw materials.

Manufacturers add Yellow 6 to give foods and drinks an orange-yellow color. It is commonly found in candies, beverages, baked goods, and snack foods.

Yellow 6 is an FDA-approved color additive for food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 6. JECFA has evaluated Yellow 6 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and more research is ongoing.