Including FD&C Yellow #5 And 6

FD&C Yellow #5 (also known as Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow #6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are azo dyes, meaning they contain an azo group, and are manufactured from petroleum.

These dyes are used to impart yellow and orange colors to a wide variety of foods and beverages. They are commonly found in soft drinks, candies, baked goods, cereals, snacks, and some processed foods to enhance their visual appeal.

Both FD&C Yellow #5 and FD&C Yellow #6 are approved by the FDA as color additives for food, drugs, and cosmetics. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5 and Yellow #6. JECFA and EFSA have both evaluated these dyes and established acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have suggested a possible link between certain artificial food colors, including Yellow #5 and #6, and increased hyperactivity in some children; however, the FDA states that the available scientific evidence does not support a causal relationship for the general population. For FD&C Yellow #5, a small percentage of sensitive individuals may experience allergy-like reactions such as hives or asthma.