FD&C Yellow 5 & Blue 1

FD&C Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) and FD&C Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) are synthetic color additives made from petroleum. They are used to give foods a yellow and blue color, respectively, or to create other colors when mixed.

Manufacturers add these dyes to make foods more visually appealing. They are found in a wide range of products, including snacks, beverages, candies, and desserts.

FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Blue 1 are synthetic color additives approved by the FDA for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Both dyes have been evaluated by JECFA, which has set acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies have differing conclusions on the significance of this link.