Tartrazine
Learn what Tartrazine (E102) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Tartrazine?
A food additive from the category of synthetic azo colorants. It imparts a yellow color and is permitted for use in any type of food (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, meat products, dairy, eggs, vegetables, fruits, cereals, sweets, etc.) except for foods intended for infants and young children.
Why is Tartrazine added to food?
Tartrazine (E102) is a colorant commonly found in: Alcoholic beverages, cereals, sweets.
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake of tartrazine for human consumption is up to 7.5 mg/kg body weight, a dose that can easily be exceeded through cumulative consumption. Careful reading of food labels is recommended.
Is Tartrazine safe?
Generally recognized as safe
Some studies state that no side effects are known for pure tartrazine, except for individuals with salicylate intolerance (aspirin, berries, fruits). For these individuals, tartrazine can induce intolerance symptoms.
Is Tartrazine banned anywhere?
⚠ Restricted in some countries (not banned in the EU)
Is Tartrazine okay for kids?
No.
Common foods that contain Tartrazine
- Alcoholic beverages
- cereals
- sweets
How to spot Tartrazine on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E102
- Tartrazine
Common misspellings to watch for:
- tartrazlne
- tdrtrazine
- tartrazine
- tartrdzine
Better alternatives
• Banned in some EU countries but permitted in Romania. • May cause tumors and severe liver conditions. • Asthmatics may experience symptoms after consuming tartrazine, as it is known to release histamine. • Some studies attribute tartrazine with a strong carcinogenic effect, particularly on the thyroid gland. • When combined with benzoates (E210-215), tartrazine is involved in a significant percentage of ADHD cases in children.
Also known as
- tartrazlne
- tdrtrazine
- tartrazine
- tartrdzine
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Tartrazine? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E102 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Tartrazine
- Is Tartrazine safe to eat?
- Some studies state that no side effects are known for pure tartrazine, except for individuals with salicylate intolerance (aspirin, berries, fruits). For these individuals, tartrazine can induce intolerance symptoms.
- Is Tartrazine banned anywhere?
- Tartrazine is not banned in the EU but is restricted in some countries.
- Is Tartrazine safe for children?
- No.
- How do I spot Tartrazine on a food label?
- Look for E102, Tartrazine in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: tartrazlne, tdrtrazine, tartrazine.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.