Yellow #5 And Yellow #6 Lakes And Red #3

These are synthetic color additives, also known as artificial colors, used to give foods a vibrant appearance. Lakes are insoluble forms of these dyes, made by combining the dye with a metallic salt, often aluminum hydroxide, which helps them color foods with low moisture or high fat content.

Manufacturers add these colors to make foods more appealing or to restore color lost during processing. They are commonly found in candies, chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and snack foods.

These are FDA-approved color additives, but their regulatory status is changing. The FDA revoked Red #3 for use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to remove it from food products. This action was based on studies showing it caused cancer in male rats, though the FDA stated this is not relevant to human risk. California's Food Safety Act (AB 418) also bans Red #3 in food from 2027. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow #5 and Yellow #6. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated all three colors and set acceptable daily intakes for Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and Red #3. Some individuals may experience allergic-type reactions to Yellow #5 and Yellow #6. Evidence regarding a link between these synthetic colors and hyperactivity in children is mixed, with some studies suggesting a connection and others not finding consistent evidence.