FD&C Yellow Lake #5

FD&C Yellow Lake #5 is a synthetic color additive. It is a pigment formed by precipitating the water-soluble dye FD&C Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) onto an inert base, typically alumina hydrate. This process makes the color insoluble in water.

Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow Lake #5 to impart a yellow color to foods, especially when a water-insoluble color is needed or for brighter, more stable shades. It is commonly found in snacks like popcorn, peanuts, and flavored rice dishes.

FD&C Yellow Lake #5 is an FDA-approved color additive. The FDA generally recognizes it as safe when used according to regulations. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not all studies agree. Rare allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, have also been reported in sensitive individuals. JECFA has evaluated Yellow 5 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated Yellow 5. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5, from the food supply.