FD&C Yellow 6 And FD&C Yellow 5

FD&C Yellow 6 (also known as Sunset Yellow) and FD&C Yellow 5 (also known as Tartrazine) are synthetic food colors. They are petroleum-derived dyes used to impart a yellow-orange hue to foods and beverages.

These dyes are added to a wide variety of processed foods and drinks to enhance their visual appeal. Common applications include sodas, snack foods like chips and popcorn, candies, baked goods, and some dairy products.

FD&C Yellow 6 and FD&C Yellow 5 are approved by the FDA as food additives. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. There has been ongoing debate regarding a potential link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, with evidence being mixed. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and set acceptable daily intakes. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated these dyes.