E102 Tartrazine (Yellow 5)

E102ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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Every diet

VeganYes

No animal ingredients; some vegans avoid it because of animal testing.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102) is a synthetic yellow dye linked to hyperactivity in some children and to hives in sensitive people. It must carry a warning in the EU.

40/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE102

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit7.5 mg/kg

Also calledYellow 5, FD&C Yellow 5

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaRestrictedBanned in California public school food from 2028 (AB 2316)

Approved in the US with a rule that it must be named on the label. EU packages need the same children's hyperactivity warning as Red 40.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

525 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 7.5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 150 mg a day.

What is it?

Tartrazine is a bright lemon-yellow dye. It's the second most common synthetic food color in the US and is often paired with blue dyes to make green.

Where it comes from: A synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye made from petroleum-derived chemicals.

Why it’s in food

Makes candy, drinks and mac and cheese bright yellow
Combines with blue dyes to make green
Keeps color consistent between batches

Often found in

Boxed mac and cheeseCandySoft drinksPicklesChipsPudding mixes

Also listed as: Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Tartrazine

Health & gut impact

Hives and asthmaUnder study

A small number of people, especially those sensitive to aspirin, react with hives or wheezing.

EFSA Journal 7(11):1331 (2009)

Hyperactivity in childrenUnder study

Included in the dye mixes tested in the Southampton study.

McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)

What can I use instead?

Turmeric

Ratio: A pinch per cup

Best for: Rice, sauces, baking

Annatto

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Cheese sauces and snacks

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Carmine (Cochineal) E120Carmine (E120) is a red dye made from crushed insects. It's not vegan, vegetarian or kosher, and halal status is disputed. It can cause rare severe allergies.Use in moderation Erythrosine (Red 3) E127Red 3 (E127) is a pink dye the FDA is removing from US food by 2027 because of cancer findings in rats. The EU already limits it to candied cherries.Best to avoid Titanium Dioxide E171Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white coloring banned in EU food since 2022 because damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. It's still allowed in the US and Canada.Best to avoid

Common questions

Is Yellow 5 safe?

Best to avoid (40/100). Approved in the US with a rule that it must be named on the label. EU packages need the same children's hyperactivity warning as Red 40.

Is Yellow 5 vegan?

Yes. No animal ingredients; some vegans avoid it because of animal testing.

Is Yellow 5 gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 74.705 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E102
EFSA Journal 7(11):1331 (2009)
McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 102 · CAS 1934-21-0