Yellow Color #5

Yellow 5, also known as tartrazine, is a synthetic food coloring. It is made from petroleum. It provides a bright yellow color to foods and beverages.

Manufacturers add Yellow 5 to make foods more visually appealing or to restore color lost during processing. It is commonly found in a variety of products, including baked goods like cookies, pasta, condiments such as mustard and ketchup, and snack foods.

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, while other studies have not found a clear connection; the evidence is mixed. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Yellow 5 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated its safety.