Yellow 5 And Other Color Added

Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic yellow food dye. It is synthesized from coal tar, a byproduct of coal processing. It is one of the most widely used synthetic food colorings in the United States.

Yellow 5 is added to foods to provide a bright yellow color. Manufacturers use it in a wide variety of processed foods, including beverages, desserts, snacks, cereals, and baked goods. It is often used in combination with other synthetic dyes to create a range of colors.

Yellow 5 is an FDA-approved food additive. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5, due to potential health concerns. Some studies have linked synthetic food dyes like Yellow 5 to hyperactivity in children, though evidence is mixed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated Yellow 5 and established an acceptable daily intake. JECFA has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake.