Yellows 5 & 6

Yellow 5 (also known as Tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives. They are produced through chemical synthesis, typically derived from petroleum.

These dyes are added to foods to impart yellow and orange colors, making products more visually appealing. They are frequently used in snacks, candy, and savory bakery products.

In the United States, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are approved by the FDA as color additives for food. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated both dyes and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated these color additives. There have been discussions about a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children; however, regulatory bodies like the FDA state that the available scientific evidence does not show a direct causal link for the general population. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, from food products.