Color Added FD&C Yellow #5 And Blue #1

FD&C Yellow #5 (also known as Tartrazine) and FD&C Blue #1 (also known as Brilliant Blue FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are petroleum-based dyes produced through chemical synthesis.

These dyes are added to foods to impart yellow and blue colors, respectively, or to create other colors when mixed. They are commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including snacks, beverages, candies, and baked goods, to enhance visual appeal.

FD&C Yellow #5 and Blue #1 are synthetic color additives approved by the FDA for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5 and Blue #1. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, to Yellow #5, particularly those sensitive to aspirin. There have been concerns about a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #5 and Blue #1, and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on this topic is mixed. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these dyes and set acceptable daily intakes.