Colors: Yellow 5

Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic food coloring. It is a bright lemon-yellow azo dye that is manufactured from petroleum. It is one of the most widely used food colors in the world.

Manufacturers add Yellow 5 to foods and beverages to impart a yellow color, enhance visual appeal, and ensure consistent product appearance. It is commonly found in candies, soft drinks, baked goods, snacks, and some processed foods.

Yellow 5 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. JECFA has evaluated Yellow 5 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated Yellow 5, concluding that there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal link between the color and hyperactivity in the general population, though some studies suggest a possible link in sensitive children. In April 2025, FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5. The ingredient has been the subject of controversy due to its potential association with hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed.