FD&C Colors Yellow #5 & #6

FD&C Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are petroleum-based dyes created through chemical synthesis. These colors are used to impart a yellow or orange hue to food products.

Manufacturers add Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 to food products to enhance their visual appeal and provide a consistent color. They are frequently found in candies, popcorn, snacks like peanuts and seeds, and cookies and biscuits.

Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 are FDA-approved color additives for use in food. In April 2025, FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed. JECFA has evaluated both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and set acceptable daily intakes. EFSA has also evaluated these colors and established acceptable daily intakes. Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) has been associated with allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, in a small number of sensitive individuals.