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Tartrazine, also known as Yellow 5, is a synthetic yellow food dye. It is manufactured from petroleum. It's used to give foods a bright yellow color.

Manufacturers add tartrazine to food products to impart a yellow color. It is commonly found in candies, beverages, snack foods, and baked goods. Its purpose is purely aesthetic, making products more visually appealing.

Tartrazine is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including tartrazine, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated tartrazine and set an acceptable daily intake. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, to tartrazine.