Propylene Glycol And FD&C Yellow No.5 Lake

This ingredient is a combination of propylene glycol, a synthetic organic compound, and FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake, a synthetic yellow food coloring. Propylene glycol is produced by the hydration of propylene oxide. The "lake" form of the dye means it is a pigment made by combining the dye (Tartrazine) with an insoluble material, often aluminum hydroxide, making it suitable for coloring fats, oils, or dry products.

Manufacturers add this combination to provide a yellow color to foods, especially those where the lake form is preferred for its insolubility in water and ability to color fats. Propylene glycol often acts as a solvent or carrier for the dye in such blends. It is commonly found in confectionery, baked goods, and other processed foods.

Propylene glycol is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and JECFA has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive, and JECFA has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. Some individuals, particularly those sensitive to aspirin, may experience allergic-type reactions to FD&C Yellow No. 5, such as hives or asthma. While some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children, major regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have concluded that the evidence is mixed and does not establish a causal link at typical intake levels. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow No. 5.