Red 40 Lake Yellow 5 Lake

Red 40 Lake and Yellow 5 Lake are synthetic food colorings. "Lakes" are pigments made by combining a dye with an insoluble material, often aluminum hydroxide, which makes them oil-dispersible and suitable for coloring products with little moisture or to prevent colors from bleeding. These colors are derived from petroleum.

These colors are added to foods to make them more visually appealing or to restore color lost during processing. They are commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including candies, baked goods, snacks, and beverages.

Red 40 Lake and Yellow 5 Lake are approved by the FDA for use in food. However, in April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5. JECFA has evaluated these dyes and set acceptable daily intakes. There has been ongoing debate and mixed evidence regarding a possible link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children. The FDA maintains that current evidence does not show a causal link for the general population but notes that some children may be sensitive to these colors.