Color Added Yellow #5

Yellow #5, also known as tartrazine, is a synthetic food coloring that provides a lemon-yellow hue. It is one of several artificial colors derived from petroleum. This dye is widely used to enhance the visual appeal of various processed foods.

Manufacturers add Yellow #5 to impart a yellow color to a wide range of products, including candies, beverages, baked goods, and snacks. It is frequently found in items like ice cream, popcorn, and certain confectionery.

Yellow #5 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #5, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link. JECFA and EFSA have both evaluated Yellow #5 and set an acceptable daily intake. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5.