QandAs: Food

What is Yellow #5?

Answer:
Yellow #5 (or FD&C Yellow No. 5; certified form of Tartrazine) is an artificial coloring agent used

in many consumer products, including food items. As its name suggests, it is used to give products yellow shades; and may be mixed with other coloring agents for blended shades.

Yellow #5 is used in such foods as candies, drinks, snacks, desserts, soups, and more. It is also used in other consumer products such as lotions, shampoos, soaps, crayons, and numerous others.

As is true with any artificial coloring agent use, yellow #5 is used to trick the mind into believing a particular product is more 'real' or more 'natural' than it is. Chemically formulated shampoo with an artificial citrus fragrance should be more yellow than clear, or blue, or other non-citrusy color; thus, manufacturers inject a little yellow #5 to make it more acceptable and more believable to consumers.

Yellow #5 artificial coloring, like many artificial coloring agents, has come under some scrutiny regarding sensitivities and reactions in some individuals. While most people apparently assimilate or otherwise deal with yellow #5 without significant issue, others allegedly have experienced sensitivity related effects; including increased asthma attacks, aspirin sensitivity related issues, hyperactivity, and other health conditons.

There is also some evidence that artificial coloring agents and sodium benzoate, when used together in some products, may exacerbate sensitivity reactions in some individuals.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) currently regards FD&C Yellow No. 5 as safe for use in consumer foods, drinks, snacks, cosmetics, personal hygiene and other products.