Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102)
Tartrazine (E102, FD&C Yellow 5) is a synthetic azo dye producing a bright lemon-yellow colour. It is permitted by the FDA, EFSA, and JECFA at an EFSA acceptable daily intake of 7.5 mg/kg body weight. The 2010 UK Southampton study contributed to an EU-mandatory label warning on foods containing tartrazine: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.
What is tartrazine?
Tartrazine is a synthetic azo dye that produces a bright lemon-yellow colour. It is one of the six azo colours flagged in the 2007 Southampton study and one of the most-consumed food colorants globally. In the EU it is E102; in the US it is FD&C Yellow No. 5.
Regulatory position
- FDA: permitted under 21 CFR 74.705.
- EFSA: 2009 re-evaluation; ADI 7.5 mg/kg body weight per day.
- JECFA: aligned with EFSA.
- EU labelling: mandatory warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" under Regulation 1333/2008.
- IARC: not classified.
The Southampton study and the EU warning
McCann et al. published a randomised double-blind crossover trial in The Lancet in 2007. Children aged 3 and 8–9 were given fruit drinks containing one of two mixes of azo colours (including tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine, ponceau 4R, quinoline yellow, allura red) plus sodium benzoate, or a placebo drink. Both mixes produced small but statistically significant increases in an aggregate hyperactive-behaviour score.
EFSA reviewed the study in 2008 and concluded the evidence was insufficient to change individual ADIs but recommended the EU adopt a precautionary warning label. Regulation 1333/2008 made the warning mandatory for all six colours. The FDA reviewed the same evidence in 2011 and declined to require a similar label.
Where you find tartrazine
- Mustards, salad dressings, pickles.
- Curry powders and turmeric-labelled products (used to boost or standardise colour).
- Soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit-flavoured drinks.
- Candy — historically ubiquitous in yellow, orange, and green varieties.
- Boxed macaroni and cheese, packet noodles.
- Cake mixes, custards, and ice creams.
- Pharmaceutical tablet coatings (a common cause of unrecognised exposure).
How NakedCalorie flags tartrazine
Tartrazine is a Tier 2 additive with the EU children's-behaviour warning surfaced inline. Presence triggers NOVA Group 4 classification. For related synthetic colours see Red 40 and titanium dioxide. For the wider ingredient decision rule see how to spot ultra-processed food.
Frequently asked questions
- Is tartrazine linked to hyperactivity in children?
- The 2007 McCann et al. Southampton study (Lancet) found a small but statistically significant increase in hyperactive behaviour in children given a mix of six azo colours (including tartrazine) plus sodium benzoate. The EU responded by requiring the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' on any food containing any of the six colours. The US did not follow, though the FDA has revisited the issue several times.
- What foods contain it?
- Mustards, curry powders, soft drinks (Mountain Dew, some Fanta variants), candy (Skittles, Starburst, historically), macaroni and cheese, cake mixes, ice creams, and many pharmaceutical tablets. In the EU, any product containing tartrazine must carry the warning label.
- Can tartrazine trigger allergic reactions?
- True IgE-mediated allergy to tartrazine is rare but documented. Pseudo-allergic reactions (urticaria, angioedema) are more common, especially in individuals with aspirin sensitivity. Estimates put clinically-relevant tartrazine sensitivity at less than 0.1% of the population.
Written by NakedCalorie editorial team.
Medically reviewed by Pending registered dietitian review — last reviewed July 15, 2026.
Educational information only, based on peer-reviewed literature and regulatory sources. Not medical advice.
Related in the knowledge base
- AdditivesRed 40 (Allura Red AC, E129)
- AdditivesTitanium dioxide (E171)
- AdditivesSodium benzoate