FD&C Yellow No. 5&6

FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are made from petroleum and are used to give foods a yellow or orange color.

These dyes are added to a wide range of processed foods and drinks to make them more visually appealing or to restore color lost during processing. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, snacks, cereals, and beverages.

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, which includes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and more research is ongoing. JECFA has evaluated both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated these dyes.