E102 · Tartrazine

What is E102?

Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye (Yellow 5) used in candies, soft drinks, snacks, and processed foods. It is approved in most countries within regulated limits, but it carries an EU-mandated warning label because it may affect activity and attention in children, and it can trigger reactions in people sensitive to azo dyes, particularly those with asthma or aspirin sensitivity.

Also appears on labels as: Tartrazine, E102, E 102, E-102, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow 5, Yellow 5, Yellow No. 5, Food Yellow 4, Acid Yellow 23, C.I. 19140, CI 19140.

What the evidence says

• EU/UK warning: may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
• Hypersensitivity reactions possible in susceptible individuals, especially those with asthma or aspirin intolerance.

Research behind the verdict

1. Hyperactivity Effects of Tartrazine (E102) in Children and Regulatory Evaluation — L. Eugene Arnold et al.Neurotherapeutics, 2025-08-26 13:18:58+00 (2012). A double-blind placebo-controlled challenge study found that 22 of 34 hyperactive children experienced irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbance after tartrazine, compared with two of 20 non-hyperactive controls【25378607362301†L320-L334】. The Southampton studies observed small but statistically significant increases in hyperactivity when preschool and school-aged children consumed a mixture of food colours including tartrazine; the effect was not limited to children with ADHD【25378607362301†L320-L417】. However, the European Food Safety Authority reviewed the evidence and concluded that there was insufficient data to link tartrazine to hyperactivity, noting that only a small proportion of individuals may show intolerance and that the acceptable daily intake was unchanged【683912808791165†L173-L204】. Due to reported behavioural effects in sensitive children, caution is advised.[avoid]

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