Tartrazine
A synthetic azo dye. Linked to hyperactivity in children, so the EU requires a warning label.
- Category
- Colours
- Acceptable daily intake
- 7.5 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Tartrazine (E102), widely known in the US as Yellow 5, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye. It is one of the cheapest and most common food colorings in the world.
How it is used in food
Gives foods a bright yellow colour.
Commonly found in- Sodas (like Mountain Dew) and energy drinks
- Macaroni and cheese boxes
- Chips (like Doritos) and popcorn
- Candies and ice lollies
Health and safety
May cause intolerance in a small part of the population, and can contribute to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Tartrazine is one of the most heavily scrutinized artificial dyes. It belongs to the "Southampton Six" group of dyes linked to increased hyperactivity in children. Furthermore, of all the azo dyes, tartrazine appears to cause the most allergic and intolerance reactions.
Hyperactivity in children
The 2007 Southampton trial reported that mixtures including this colour increased hyperactive behaviour in 3-, 8- and 9-year-olds. EFSA did not accept the trial as establishing a causal link for any individual colour, but the EU legislated the warning label anyway: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Allergic reactions
Tartrazine can trigger asthma, hives, and nasal congestion, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to aspirin.
EFSA re-evaluated it in 2009 and kept the ADI at 7.5 mg/kg body weight per day.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted, warning label required | Authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, but Annex V requires the warning statement on any food containing it. “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Approved by the FDA (as FD&C Yellow No. 5). Requires specific declaration by name due to allergic potential. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E102
- Colour index
- 19140
Also printed asFD&C Yellow No. 5 · Yellow 5
Alternatives to this additive
- E160a: Carotenes — Natural, safe orange-yellow pigment.
- E100: Curcumin — Derived from turmeric, provides a natural yellow color.
How it is made
Like most azo dyes, it is derived from petroleum byproducts through a complex chemical synthesis.
- Synthesis — Derived from petroleum, synthesized via the azo coupling reaction.
Worth knowing
One of the six colours in the Southampton study on children's behaviour, which is why the EU warning label exists.
Conclusion
E102 is generally avoided by health-conscious consumers. Because of the mandatory hyperactivity warning label in Europe, many EU manufacturers have replaced it with natural alternatives like beta-carotene (E160a) or turmeric (E100).
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-04.
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