FD&C Yellow Color #5 & #6

FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are derived from petroleum and are manufactured through chemical processes to produce bright yellow and orange-yellow hues.

These colors are added to foods to enhance their visual appeal, making them look more vibrant or to provide a consistent color. They are commonly found in beverages, candies, baked goods, desserts, and processed snacks.

FD&C Yellow No. 5 and No. 6 are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these colors and set acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and the FDA states that a causal link has not been established for the general population.