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Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Tartrazine on Food Labels in EU

Tartrazine is permitted but requires specific warning statements in European Union: declare as "tartrazine (E102)" with the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

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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 European Union, Tartrazine is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food coloring. EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex V require the warning text to appear on the label alongside the colour name and E-number.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "tartrazine (E102)" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
  • 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
  • Missing the mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
  • 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 (E102)" + warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
"tartrazine (E102)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... tartrazine (E102) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4) without the approved declaration name
Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration
"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 mandatory warning statements under EU 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 EU?

Declare as "tartrazine (E102)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex V require the warning text to appear on the label alongside the colour name and E-number.

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 Europe 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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