What is Tartrazine (E102)?
Last updated on: 12/23/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
6
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe within the ADI for most people, but some sensitive individuals may react even at permitted levels.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Tartrazine is also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5, It is a synthetic lemon-yellow food colour used to enhance or add colour in foods and beverages.
Safety Summary
-
Approved for use by all major regulatory authorities.
-
Permitted globally with specified maximum limits depending on food category.
-
FDA requires mandatory labeling due to potential sensitivity in some individuals.
- Sensitivity groups involves Individuals with food dye intolerance and children with high intake of coloured foods
Who should be cautious?
Individuals with food dye intolerance; children with high intake of coloured foods
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E102 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-102 |
|
Category : |
Colour |
|
Sub-category : |
Synthetic azo dye |
|
Origin : |
Synthetic (Chemically derived) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
102, FD&C Yellow No. 5 |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Sunset Yellow FCF (E110), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Allura Red AC (E129) |
Common Products
You may find it in the following food products:
- Soft drinks (like Lemon-Lime Gatorade),
- Candies,
- Ice cream,
- Processed snacks,
- Cereals,
- Packaged mixes,
- Grape wine, etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Used in food consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice; no specific numerical limit beyond GMP. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Group Average Daily intake(ADI): 0-0.75 mg/kg body weight per day. |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Permitted in specified food categories with category-wise maximum limits; mandatory declaration on labels as per Food Safety and Standards Regulations |
Health concerns
- EFSA noted reports of intolerance reactions in a small proportion of the population. Sensitive individuals may react to tartrazine at dose levels within the ADI.
- EFSA concluded tartrazine is not genotoxic or carcinogenic and does not pose safety concerns within the ADI.
-
WHO/JEFCA noted that the dietary exposure estimate for children aged 1–10 years was below the upper bound of the ADI and concluded that dietary exposure to tartrazine for the general population, including children, does not present a health concern.
Conclusions
Tartrazine (E102) is a widely regulated synthetic food colour considered safe for the general population when consumed within established average daily intakes. While most people tolerate it well, sensitive individuals and high consumers especially children should monitor intake, Strict limits and labelling requirements are in place by various regulators in different regions.