Oleoresin Turmeric & Yellow #5

Oleoresin turmeric is a natural extract from the root of the turmeric plant, containing compounds like curcumin that give it a yellow-orange color. Yellow #5, also known as tartrazine, is a synthetic yellow dye produced from petroleum.

Both ingredients are used to add a yellow color to various foods, such as pickles, relishes, and other processed items, to make them more visually appealing. Oleoresin turmeric can also contribute a mild, earthy flavor.

Oleoresin turmeric is approved by the FDA as a color additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Yellow #5 is an FDA-approved color additive, and JECFA has evaluated it. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5. Some scientific studies have explored a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in certain children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.