Yellow Food Color

Yellow food color refers to a range of substances added to foods to give them a yellow hue. These can be synthetic dyes, such as Yellow 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (sunset yellow), or natural extracts from plants like turmeric or annatto. They are manufactured through chemical synthesis or by extracting pigments from natural sources.

Food manufacturers add yellow food colors to make products visually appealing, restore color lost during processing, or ensure a consistent appearance. They are commonly found in baked goods, desserts, beverages, candies, and snack foods.

The FDA regulates food colors, including both synthetic dyes and colors derived from natural sources. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which include Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) have evaluated many food colors. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and further research is ongoing.