Including Yellow 5 Lake And Yellow 6 Lake

Yellow 5 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake are synthetic color additives. They are made by combining the water-soluble dyes Yellow 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (sunset yellow FCF) with an inert material, typically aluminum hydroxide, to create an insoluble pigment. This process forms a "lake" pigment, which is more stable and less prone to bleeding than the water-soluble dye.

These ingredients are used to add yellow and orange color to a variety of foods. Because they are insoluble, they are often preferred in products with low moisture, fats, or oils, or where color stability and prevention of color migration are important. They are commonly found in baked goods, candies, snacks, and dessert mixes.

Yellow 5 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake are FDA-approved color additives. The FDA has evaluated Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 for safety. JECFA has evaluated both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated these dyes. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.