FD&C Yellow #5 And #6 Lake

FD&C Yellow #5 Lake and FD&C Yellow #6 Lake are synthetic color additives. They are made by combining the water-soluble Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 dyes with an insoluble base, typically aluminum hydroxide, to create pigments that do not dissolve in water. This makes them suitable for coloring products where the dye needs to be stable and not bleed.

These lake colors are used by food manufacturers to impart yellow and orange hues to a variety of processed foods. Their insoluble nature makes them ideal for coloring products with low moisture or high fat content, such as snack foods, baked goods, and confectionery, helping to make foods visually appealing and consistent in color.

FD&C Yellow #5 Lake and FD&C Yellow #6 Lake are FDA-approved color additives for use in food. In April 2025, FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes 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, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive across all studies. JECFA has evaluated these color additives and set acceptable daily intakes.