Tartrazine (E102) — What You Need to Know
What Is Tartrazine?
Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye derived from coal tar. It is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings in the world, found in everything from candy and soft drinks to medications. Despite its widespread use, it has been subject to significant regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about behavioral effects in children.
What Is It Used For?
Gives foods and beverages a bright yellow or yellow-green color. Used extensively in candies, snacks, sodas, pickles, and some medications. It can also create green shades when combined with blue colorings.
Safety Assessment
Studies, including the 2007 McCann et al. study published in The Lancet, found that a mixture of food colorings including tartrazine was associated with increased hyperactivity in children. The EU requires products containing tartrazine to carry the warning label 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' Some individuals with aspirin sensitivity may also experience adverse reactions.
Based on current evidence, Tartrazine is rated Questionable with a score of 4/10. This is 1.8 points below the average for colorings (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2023. A typical diet provides about 0.1% of the acceptable daily intake.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E102 or 'Tartrazine'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Tartrazine
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E102
- INS Number
- 102
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Approved (FD&C Yellow No. 5)
- EFSA Status
- Authorized (with warning label required)
- ADI
- 7.5 mg/kg bw/day
- Last Review
- 2023
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family