FD&C Colors: Yellow #6 Lake

FD&C Yellow #6 Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is made by combining FD&C Yellow #6 dye with an insoluble material, often aluminum hydroxide, to create a pigment. This 'lake' form is stable and disperses well in fats and oils.

Manufacturers add Yellow #6 Lake to foods to provide a yellow-orange color. It is often used in products where the color needs to be stable in different food environments, such as baked goods, candies, and dessert toppings.

FD&C Yellow #6 Lake 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 #6. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow #6, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and more research is ongoing. JECFA has evaluated Yellow #6 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated Yellow #6.