Yellow 5 And 6

Yellow 5 (also known as Tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic food color additives. They are manufactured from petroleum and are used to give foods and beverages a yellow to orange color.

Manufacturers add these dyes to make products more visually appealing. They are commonly found in a wide variety of foods, including baking decorations, dessert toppings, cereals, pasta dinners, and sodas.

Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are FDA-approved color additives for use in food. JECFA has evaluated both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated both and set an acceptable daily intake. There has been debate about a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children; the evidence on this topic is mixed. In April 2025, FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.