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Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Tartrazine on Food Labels in Canada

Tartrazine is permitted with proper declaration in Canada: declare as "Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Tartrazine (E102, FD&C Yellow No. 5) is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye used to colour soft drinks, confectionery, instant noodles, and snack foods. In Canada, Tartrazine is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food coloring. Health Canada requires tartrazine to be declared by name (not by number alone). Must be included in the ingredient list. No mandatory warning text for children.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E102
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Tartrazine
  • Omitting the E-number E102 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Tartrazine content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5"
"Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5 ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Tartrazine" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Tartrazine and all its common names (Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4, E102) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is tartrazine (E102)?

Tartrazine (E102, FD&C Yellow No. 5) is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye used to colour soft drinks, confectionery, instant noodles, and snack foods. It commonly appears in: Soft drinks, Confectionery, Instant noodles, Pickles, Cheese powder.

Is tartrazine bad for you?

EFSA set an ADI of 7.5 mg/kg body weight per day in 2009 and considers permitted levels safe. The 2007 Southampton study linked tartrazine (in mixture) to increased hyperactivity in some children, which is why the EU and UK require a mandatory warning. Rare hypersensitivity reactions such as hives can occur, particularly in aspirin-sensitive individuals.

How must Tartrazine be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. Health Canada requires tartrazine to be declared by name (not by number alone). Must be included in the ingredient list. No mandatory warning text for children.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Tartrazine?

Tartrazine may appear under the following names: Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4, E102. Common hidden sources include: Soft drinks, Confectionery, Instant noodles, Pickles, Cheese powder, Mustard, Lime cordial.

Is tartrazine banned in Canada or other markets?

Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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