E102: Tartrazine

What is E102 (Tartrazine)?

Tartrazine (E102), also known as FD&C Yellow 5, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye used as a food coloring. It's one of the most widely used artificial food colorings and provides a bright yellow-orange shade to foods, beverages, and even medications. Tartrazine belongs to the family of azo dyes, which are characterized by their nitrogen-nitrogen double bonds.

Source and Production

Unlike natural colorings derived from plants or minerals, tartrazine is produced synthetically through chemical processes:

Base Materials: Produced from coal tar derivatives or petroleum products 2. Chemical Synthesis: Created through a series of chemical reactions involving diazotization of aromatic amines 3. Purification: The dye undergoes purification processes to meet food-grade standards 4. Formulation: The purified dye is formulated for use in various food applications

As a synthetic product, tartrazine can be produced with consistent color properties, making it popular in industrial food production.

Common Uses in Food

E102 is commonly found in:

Soft drinks and energy drinks
Candy and confectionery
Flavored chips and snacks
Ice cream and desserts
Jams and jellies
Packaged soups and sauces
Pickles and condiments
Cereals and baked goods
Medications (particularly children's medications)
Cosmetics and personal care products

Health and Safety

Safety Concerns

Tartrazine has been associated with several health concerns and is one of the most controversial food additives:

Hyperactivity in children: Multiple studies have linked tartrazine to increased hyperactivity and attention problems in children
Allergic reactions: Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those with aspirin sensitivity
Asthma: May trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals
Skin reactions: Can cause urticaria (hives), eczema, or other skin reactions in some people
Immune system effects: Some research suggests potential effects on immune function

Hypersensitivity

Tartrazine sensitivity is estimated to affect approximately 0.12% to 2% of the population, with higher rates among those with asthma or aspirin sensitivity. Symptoms of tartrazine sensitivity may include:

Hives or skin rashes
Swelling of the skin, lips, or face
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Headaches or migraines
Blurred vision
Anxiety or depression
Asthma symptoms

Regulatory Status

Due to these health concerns, tartrazine's regulatory status varies by country:

European Union: Permitted as E102, but products containing it must carry the warning "may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
United States: Approved by the FDA, but must be listed specifically by name on labels
United Kingdom: One of the six food colors involved in the "Southampton Six" study linking food dyes to hyperactivity
Norway: Banned until 2001, now permitted under EU regulations
Australia/New Zealand: Permitted but requires mandatory labeling

In 2010, the European Food Safety Authority reviewed the safety of tartrazine and established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 7.5 mg/kg body weight.

Identification on Labels

Tartrazine may be identified on food labels as:

E102
Tartrazine
FD&C Yellow 5
Yellow 5
C.I. 19140
Acid Yellow 23

Avoiding Tartrazine

For individuals concerned about tartrazine consumption, alternatives include:

Natural food colorings: Turmeric (E100), safflower, or annatto (E160b)
Organic foods: Most certified organic standards prohibit artificial colorings
Products labeled "no artificial colors"
Home preparation of foods: Controlling ingredients used
Reading labels carefully for all forms of tartrazine listing

Conclusion

E102 (Tartrazine) is a widely used synthetic yellow food coloring with moderate health concerns. While considered safe by regulatory authorities at current permitted levels, its associations with hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions make it controversial. Consumers with known sensitivities or concerns about synthetic food additives may wish to avoid this ingredient by carefully reading product labels and selecting alternatives.