FD&C Yellow #5 And FD&C Blue #1 And Titanium Dioxide

FD&C Yellow #5 and FD&C Blue #1 are synthetic color additives made from petroleum. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is processed into a fine white powder for use as a food additive.

These ingredients are used to add color to foods. FD&C Yellow #5 and FD&C Blue #1 provide bright yellow and blue hues, respectively, and are often combined to create green. Titanium dioxide is used to make foods white, opaque, or to brighten other colors. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, and beverages.

FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Blue #1, and titanium dioxide are approved by the FDA as color additives. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including FD&C Yellow #5 and FD&C Blue #1. Titanium dioxide is not part of this phase-out. Some individuals may experience allergic-type reactions, such as hives or asthma, to FD&C Yellow #5. There is mixed evidence regarding a link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children. JECFA has evaluated FD&C Yellow #5 and FD&C Blue #1 and set acceptable daily intakes. JECFA has also evaluated titanium dioxide and did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI not specified). While the FDA considers titanium dioxide safe at current use levels, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to its ban in the EU.