LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Tartrazine on Food Labels in US

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

Check My Label for US CompliancePaste Ingredients List
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 United States, Tartrazine is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food coloring. FDA requires declaration by the specific name "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. No warning for activity or attention required. Color additives must be listed by their specific names.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "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 "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: FD&C Yellow No. 5"
"FD&C Yellow No. 5" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... 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 US rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
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 US?

Declare as "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. FDA requires declaration by the specific name "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. No warning for activity or attention required. Color additives must be listed by their specific names.

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 US 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.

Ensure US Compliance

Get your label checked against all US regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
US Compliance Hub

Explore all US labeling requirements in one place.

View US Hub

Ready to Ensure Full US Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FDCA & FSMA requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide