E102: Tartrazine
What is E102?
Tartrazine (E102) is a synthetic lemon-yellow food colour from the azo dye family. It is a water-soluble powder that gives bright yellow shades and, mixed with blue colours, green ones.
Origin and production
It is produced by chemical synthesis from petroleum-derived starting materials and purified to food-grade standards.
Why is it used?
Tartrazine is used to colour sweets, soft drinks, desserts, snacks, cake decorations and some sauces. It is known as Yellow 5 in the United States.
Vegan, vegetarian and halal
Tartrazine is synthesised without animal ingredients and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It does not raise particular halal or kosher issues.
Safety and regulation
Tartrazine is authorised in the EU with maximum levels and was re-evaluated by EFSA. It is one of the six 'Southampton' colours, so EU foods containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children', and it is known to cause intolerance reactions in a small number of sensitive people.
Written by the Foodlas editorial team with AI assistance and checked against EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and EFSA scientific opinions. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 · EFSA — Food additives · Wikidata
Common in
Products containing E102
