Yellow No. 6 Lake And Titanium Dioxide

Yellow No. 6 Lake is a synthetic color additive made by combining the dye Yellow No. 6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF) with an insoluble material, typically aluminum hydroxide. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is processed into a fine white powder.

Yellow No. 6 Lake is used to add a yellow-orange color to foods, especially when an oil-dispersible or more stable color is needed, such as in baked goods, candies, and snack foods. Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment to make foods brighter or more opaque, commonly found in candies, chewing gum, and icings.

Both Yellow No. 6 Lake and titanium dioxide are FDA-approved color additives for use in food. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow No. 6. While some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, the FDA states that current scientific evidence does not support a causal link for the general population. JECFA has evaluated Yellow No. 6 and set an acceptable daily intake. For titanium dioxide, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to its ban in the EU in 2022; however, it remains permitted by the FDA in the US and is not part of the announced dye phase-out. JECFA has evaluated titanium dioxide and did not set a numeric limit.