FD&C Certified Food Colors Including Yellow #5

FD&C Certified Food Colors are synthetic color additives approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Yellow #5, also known as Tartrazine, is one such synthetic dye, typically derived from petroleum. It is manufactured through chemical synthesis to create a bright yellow hue.

Manufacturers add FD&C certified food colors, including Yellow #5, to enhance the visual appeal of food products. They are used to make foods look more attractive, replace color lost during processing, or provide color to otherwise colorless foods. Yellow #5 is commonly found in beverages, candies, baked goods, desserts, and snack foods.

Yellow #5 is an FDA-approved color additive. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow #5. 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 has evaluated Yellow #5 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. In rare cases, Yellow #5 has been associated with allergen-like reactions, such as hives or asthma, in sensitive individuals.