Yellow 6 Lake & Red 40 Lake

Yellow 6 Lake and Red 40 Lake are color additives made from synthetic dyes. These "lakes" are produced by combining the water-soluble dyes Yellow 6 and Red 40 with a metallic salt, typically aluminum, to create a pigment that is insoluble in water. This process allows them to be used in products where water-soluble dyes would bleed or where moisture is limited.

Manufacturers add Yellow 6 Lake and Red 40 Lake to provide vibrant color to foods. Because they are insoluble in water, they are especially useful for coloring fat-based products, dry mixes, and items with little moisture, or where color migration is undesirable. They are commonly found in candies, chips, snacks, and baked goods.

Yellow 6 Lake and Red 40 Lake are FDA-approved color additives for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 6. Some research has explored a possible link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children; however, the evidence is mixed, and the FDA has stated that the available scientific evidence does not show a causal link for the general population. Both Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) and Red 40 (Allura Red AC) have been evaluated by international bodies like JECFA, which has set an acceptable daily intake for them.