Color

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

Synthetic color additive.

Moderate concern · Limited evidence

Some children may be sensitive to mixtures of synthetic colors.

Consider limiting, or compare alternatives.

Reviewed Oct 2, 2026

Evidence and sources

Tartrazine (Yellow 5) was in one of the color mixtures linked to more hyperactive behavior in some children, and the EU requires a warning about activity and attention in children on foods that contain it. US labels must name Yellow 5 because it can cause hives or itching in a small number of people.

Studies tested mixtures and amounts that may differ from this product, and the amount here isn't declared.

Limited evidence · Presence only; amount unknown · Children who may be sensitive

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex V (labelling of certain food colours), European Union
Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, The Lancet (McCann et al.)
Health Effects Assessment: Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
21 CFR 74.705 — FD&C Yellow No. 5 (labeling requirement), U.S. Food and Drug Administration