Including FD&C Yellow #6 And Yellow #5

FD&C Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic food colors. They are produced from petroleum and are used to give foods a yellow or orange hue.

These dyes are added to a wide range of processed foods and beverages to enhance their visual appeal. They are commonly found in snacks, desserts, drinks, and confectionery.

Both FD&C Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5 and Yellow #6. JECFA has evaluated both dyes and set an acceptable daily intake. There has been debate regarding a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children; however, evidence is mixed. The FDA states that scientific evidence does not show a causal link between these dyes and hyperactivity in the general population, but acknowledges that some children may be sensitive. FD&C Yellow #5 has also been associated with allergic-type reactions in a small number of people, particularly those sensitive to aspirin.