Tag: Tartrazine

Over $44 billion is spent annually on food additives and preservatives, and among the most scrutinized is tartrazine. This synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102, is found in a wide variety of processed commercial foods and beverages. Understanding what foods are high in tartrazine can help consumers make informed dietary choices.

In a remarkable 2024 study, scientists discovered that a common food additive could make living mouse skin temporarily transparent, sparking widespread curiosity about the yellow dye in Cheetos and its unexpected properties. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal *Science*, revealed the unique optical capabilities of the synthetic dye known as tartrazine.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FD&C Yellow No. 5 is an approved synthetic dye. The chemical compound is perhaps more widely known by another name: tartrazine. This lemon-yellow colorant is commonly used in various processed foods, drinks, medications, and cosmetics to enhance visual appeal.

In a significant shift for the food industry, the FDA announced in 2025 that it is phasing out Yellow 5 and other petroleum-based food dyes from the US food supply. This decision responds to increasing public and scientific concerns over potential health impacts associated with these synthetic colorants.

Yellow 5, also known as tartrazine, is a synthetic food dye commonly used in processed foods and beverages, but it has been linked to health concerns like hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Fortunately, the food industry and home cooks alike are increasingly turning toward natural alternatives. This shift not only addresses consumer health demands but also taps into a rich spectrum of plant-based pigments that offer vibrant hues without the associated risks.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, Yellow 5 (tartrazine) has been approved for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics since 1969. However, growing concerns focus on the side effects of Yellow 5 aluminum lake, a specific form of this dye.

In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to phase out synthetic food colorings, including the widely used FD&C Yellow No. 5. This petroleum-derived dye, also known as tartrazine, has been subject to long-standing debate regarding its safety, prompting many to ask: what is yellow #5 FDA?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Yellow No. 5 is one of the most widely used color additives in the food industry. This synthetic dye, derived from petroleum, goes by several other names that consumers should be aware of when reading ingredient labels.

Yellow 5, a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye, has been in use since 1884 and has never been officially renamed. The perception that there is a single new name often stems from confusion over its various scientific and international labeling terms, such as Tartrazine.

According to the official M&M's website, the candy's U.S. formulation includes several artificial colorings, and the vibrant yellow shade is achieved using a combination of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. This practice, however, differs significantly from the ingredients used in the European market.