FD&C Yellow#5 And Yellow# 6 Lake

FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake are artificial colors used in food. They are made by combining the soluble dyes Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 with a substrate, typically aluminum hydroxide. This process creates insoluble "lakes" that are used to color foods where the soluble dye might not perform well.

These "lake" colors are added to foods to provide a bright yellow hue. They are often used in dry mixes, baked goods, and confections where they offer better stability than soluble dyes. You might find them in products like snack foods, candies, and some processed meals.

FD&C Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are approved food color additives by the FDA. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which include Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. Some studies have suggested a potential link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and regulatory bodies have not established a causal link for the general population. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these colorings.