FD&C Yellow #5 And Yellow #6

FD&C Yellow #5 (also known as Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow #6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are manufactured from petroleum. These dyes are used to impart yellow and orange colors to foods.

Manufacturers add these dyes to a wide range of processed foods and beverages to enhance their visual appeal. They are commonly found in items such as cheese, baked goods, candy, and soft drinks.

FD&C Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 are approved by the FDA as color additives for food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow #5 and Yellow #6. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated both FD&C Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated these color additives. There have been discussions regarding a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #5 and Yellow #6, and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on this topic has been mixed.