FD&C Yellow 5 Lake

FD&C Yellow 5 Lake is a color additive derived from FD&C Yellow 5 dye. It is created by combining the synthetic dye with an insoluble material, typically aluminum hydroxide, to form a pigment that is stable and disperses well in fats and oils.

Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow 5 Lake to provide a yellow color to various food products. It is frequently used in baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and snack cakes, as well as in pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.

FD&C Yellow 5 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, which includes Yellow 5. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Yellow 5 and set an acceptable daily intake, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.