Yellow 5 Blue 1

Yellow 5 (also known as tartrazine) and Blue 1 (also known as brilliant blue FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are petroleum-based dyes created through chemical synthesis to produce bright yellow and blue colors, respectively.

These dyes are added to foods and beverages to provide or restore color, making products more visually appealing. They are commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including candies, soft drinks, snack foods, and baked goods.

Yellow 5 and Blue 1 are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Both dyes have been evaluated by JECFA, which has set acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have explored a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5 and Blue 1, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not conclusive for the general population. EFSA has also evaluated these colors.