Yellow 5 is an artificial food dye added to processed pastries, brightly colored soda, and colored candy. The FDA is working towards eliminating it from production after research showed potential harmful effects.
Yellow 5 is an artificial food color (AFC) that was
Along with a handful of other AFCs, yellow 5’s safety has been called into question over the last several decades.
This resulted in the FDA taking action in
Let’s take a closer look at the possible effects of yellow 5 so you can determine whether it’s something you want to avoid.
In April 2025, the FDA issued a
They gave details of the following action steps they will take:
- Outlining a timeline for the complete switch from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives in the food industry in the U.S.
- Starting to revoke their authorization for two food dyes called citrus red no. 2 and orange B
- Removing the remaining synthetic dyes from production in the food industry in the U.S., which includes yellow 5, along with others, like green no. 3, red no. 40, yellow no. 6, blue no. 1, and blue no. 2
- Giving authorization, or starting the process of review and approval, for alternative new natural food dyes
- Working with the food industry to remove the remaining synthetic dyes from US food products
- Moving up the previously agreed deadline of 2027–2028 for the removal of red no. 3 by food companies
Following the release of a groundbreaking
In the EU, a warning label is required on all foods containing:
- yellow 5
- yellow 6
- quinoline yellow
- carmoisine
- red 40 (allura red)
- ponceau 4R
The EU warning label reads, “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
In addition to taking action with warning labels, the British government actively encourages food makers to drop AFCs from their products. In fact, the British versions of Skittles and Nutri-Grain bars, both popular products in the United States, are now dyed with natural colors, such as paprika, beetroot powder, and annatto.
Thanks in part to the influx of highly processed foods, people in the United States are ingesting AFCs at
Yellow 5 is banned altogether in Austria and Norway.
Yellow 5 is considered an azo compound with the formula C16H9N4Na3O9S2. That means in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen — typically found in natural food dyes — it also includes sodium, oxygen, and sulfur. These are all naturally occurring elements, but natural dyes aren’t as stable as yellow 5, which is made from the byproducts of petroleum.
Yellow 5 is often tested on animals, so it’s up for debate as to whether it’s vegetarian- or vegan-friendly.
There are a number of health areas that include research into food dyes in general or yellow 5 in particular.
Hyperactivity in children
Between 2004 and 2007, three landmark studies revealed a relationship between fruit juices flavored with AFCs and hyperactive behavior in kids. These are known as the Southampton Studies.
In the Southampton Studies, groups of preschoolers and 8- to 9-year-olds were given fruit juices with different mixes and amounts of AFCs.
Preschoolers weren’t the only ones affected — the 8- to 9-year-olds who ingested AFCs showed more signs of hyper behavior, as well. In fact, researchers found that all children in the experimental group showed slight increases in hyperactive behavior. The behavior issues weren’t unique to children who already met the criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children between 8 and 9 years old who ingested Mix B, which did not contain yellow 5, but not Mix A, had greater hyperactivity scores compared to the placebo group.
But children with ADHD may be extremely sensitive. In an earlier review by
For now, scientists and the FDA agree that diet alone is not to blame for ADHD symptoms in children. Rather, there is strong evidence to support a biological component for this disorder. More research is needed.
Cancer
A 2015 study looked at how human white blood cells were affected by yellow 5. Researchers found that although this food coloring wasn’t immediately toxic to white blood cells, it did damage the DNA, causing the cell to mutate over time.
After three hours of exposure, yellow 5 caused damage to human white blood cells in every concentration tested. Researchers noted that cells exposed to the highest concentration of yellow 5 weren’t able to repair themselves. This may make tumor growth and diseases like cancer more likely.
Researchers concluded that since the cells of the gastrointestinal tract are exposed directly to yellow 5, these cells may be more likely to develop cancer. Most of the AFCs you eat are metabolized in your colon, so colon cancer may be of the greatest risk.
However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted in isolated cells and not in the human body.
A more recent 2023 study involved a mouse model. It found that yellow 5 exposure at the allowed daily intake amount may alter gene expressions that increase the likelihood of cancer formation. It may also alter genes that affect brain function.
Other health effects
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In the second part of this study, human leukemia cells were exposed to different food colorings. Researchers found that while yellow 5 and other AFCs can increase tumor cell growth, they don’t cause damages or changes to human DNA at their allowed concentrations. The
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Here are a few common foods that contain yellow 5:
- processed pastries, such as Twinkies
- neon-colored sodas, like Mountain Dew
- kids’ fruit drinks, such as Sunny D, Kool-Aid Jammers, and several varieties of Gatorade and Powerade
- brightly colored candy (think candy corn, M&Ms, and Starburst)
- sugary breakfast cereals like Cap’N Crunch
- pre-packaged pasta mixes
- frozen treats, such as Popsicles
These may seem like rather obvious sources of yellow 5. But some food sources can be deceptive. For example, would you ever expect the jar of pickles you have in the fridge to contain yellow 5? Well, in some cases, it does. Other surprise sources include medicines, mouthwashes, and toothpastes.
Even ahead of the
- carmine
- paprika (the go-to natural alternative for yellow 5)
- annatto
- beetroot extract
- lycopene (sourced from tomatoes)
- saffron
- carrot oil
Next time you hit the grocery store, pay extra attention to ingredients list. You may find that some of your go-to products have already made the switch to natural colors.
Keep in mind that natural colors are not a silver bullet. Carmine, for example, is derived from crushed beetles, which not everyone is eager to eat. Annatto is known to cause allergic reactions in some people.
Here are some simple swaps you can make to cut down on yellow 5 in your diet:
- Choose Squirt over Mountain Dew. The citrusy sodas taste similar, but regular Squirt is free of AFCs. That’s why it’s clear.
- Pass on prepackaged pasta mixes. Instead, buy whole-grain noodles and make homemade pasta dishes. You can whip up a delicious, healthier mix at home.
- Drink homemade lemonade over yellow store-bought juices. Sure, it may still contain sugar, but you can make sure it’s AFC-free.
The FDA recently put out a news release to say they would be working with the food industry to stop the production and use of yellow 5 in the U.S., along with other food dye additives. Research suggests that this dye may harm cells over time, especially when cells are exposed to greater amounts than the recommended intake.
If you’re concerned about what the research says about yellow 5, one of the best things you can do is to cut back on sugary, processed foods. Aim to get more of these whole foods instead:
- healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and seeds
- whole grains
- fruits and vegetables
- omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon)
- lean protein like chicken and turkey
Eating a diet rich in these foods will keep you full longer. This means you’re less likely to be tempted by colorful, packaged foods. Plus, with whole foods, you don’t have to worry about whether you’re ingesting a questionable food coloring, which might bring you some peace of mind.