Red 40 & Yellow 5

Red 40 (Allura Red AC) and Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) are synthetic food colors. They are produced from petroleum and are among the most commonly used food dyes in the United States.

These dyes are added to foods and beverages to give them a vibrant, consistent color, making them more visually appealing. They are frequently found in candies, sodas, baked goods like cakes and cupcakes, and snack foods.

Red 40 and Yellow 5 are approved by the FDA as food additives. There has been ongoing debate about their potential link to hyperactivity in some children. While some studies suggest a connection, the evidence is mixed, and not all research has found a clear causal link. JECFA has evaluated both Red 40 and Yellow 5 and set acceptable daily intakes. EFSA has also evaluated these dyes and noted that some studies suggest a link to hyperactivity in children, particularly when consumed with other artificial colors and the preservative sodium benzoate. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5, from the US food supply.