FD&C Yellow No.5 Lake

FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake is a color additive made from Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5). It is a 'lake' pigment, meaning the dye is combined with an insoluble metallic salt, typically aluminum hydroxide, to make it more stable and suitable for coloring foods that contain little moisture or fat.

Manufacturers add FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake to provide a yellow color to various food products. It is often used in items like chocolate, candy, popcorn, and other snack foods where a stable, non-bleeding color is desired.

In the United States, FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive. JECFA has evaluated Tartrazine (Yellow No. 5) and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity reactions, such as hives or asthma, particularly those sensitive to aspirin. The evidence regarding a link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow No. 5, and hyperactivity in children has been mixed; some studies suggest a link in sensitive children, while others do not show a consistent effect across the general population. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5.