Tartrazine
Also known as: Yellow 5
Colorants
Safety rating
Use Sparingly
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye, one of the most commonly used artificial food colorants, imparting a bright yellow color and often blended with other dyes to create shades like green or orange.
Commonly found in
- —Candies and soft drinks
- —Baked goods and cereals
- —Sauces
Key functions
- —Provides a bright yellow color
- —Blends with other dyes to create additional shades
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Can cause allergic reactions, particularly in those with aspirin sensitivity — hives, itching, rare anaphylaxis
- 02Linked to hyperactivity in children (the "Southampton study" and subsequent research); EU warning labels required
- 03May exacerbate symptoms in asthmatics, particularly those with aspirin-induced asthma