Yellow #5 Tartrazine

Yellow #5, also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye. It is produced from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used food colorings worldwide.

Manufacturers add Yellow #5 to provide a yellow color to a wide range of foods and beverages. It is frequently found in candies, baked goods, soft drinks, snack foods, and cereals.

Yellow #5 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow #5. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow #5, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed. JECFA has evaluated tartrazine and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated tartrazine.