FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake

FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is made by combining the dye FD&C Yellow No. 5 (also known as tartrazine) with an aluminum hydroxide base. This process creates a 'lake' pigment, which is insoluble in water.

Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake to foods to provide a yellow color. Lake pigments are often preferred over water-soluble dyes because they offer better color stability, especially in products with low moisture or fats, and are less likely to 'bleed' color. It is commonly found in baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and snack cakes.

In the United States, FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake is an FDA-approved color additive. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes FD&C Yellow No. 5. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated FD&C Yellow No. 5 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including FD&C Yellow No. 5, and hyperactivity in some children. However, the evidence is mixed, and scientific bodies like the FDA note that such reactions are rare and not conclusive for the general population. The FDA requires a warning label for products containing FD&C Yellow No. 5 when used as a dye, informing consumers about potential hypersensitivity reactions.