Tartrazine

What Is E102?

E102 is the E-number for tartrazine, a synthetic azo dye that produces a bright lemon-yellow colour in food and drinks. It's one of the most widely used artificial food colours in the UK despite ongoing concerns about its safety, particularly for children.

Tartrazine was first synthesised in 1884 and has been used in food colouring since the early 1900s. It's derived from coal tar (though modern versions are petroleum-based).

Common Uses of E102 (Tartrazine)

You'll find tartrazine in many brightly coloured foods and drinks:

• Soft drinks: Lemon squash, energy drinks, sports drinks
• Sweets: Jelly sweets, lollipops, chews, hard candies
• Cakes and desserts: Coloured icing, custard, instant dessert mixes
• Crisps and snacks: Cheese-flavoured crisps, corn snacks
• Sauces and condiments: Curry sauces, pickles, salad dressings
• Processed foods: Instant noodles, packet soups, tinned processed peas
• Medications: Some liquid medicines and vitamin supplements (especially children's)

Why Is E102 Controversial?

Link to Hyperactivity in Children

The main concern with tartrazine is its effect on children's behaviour. A landmark 2007 study by Southampton University found that artificial colours (including E102) combined with sodium benzoate increased hyperactivity in children aged 3-9.

This study prompted the UK Food Standards Agency to recommend that parents of hyperactive children avoid these additives, leading to the mandatory warning label on all products containing E102.

Other Reported Effects

Some people report additional reactions to tartrazine:

• Allergic reactions: Hives, itching, skin rashes
• Asthma: Worsening of asthma symptoms (particularly in aspirin-sensitive individuals)
• Migraines: Some people report headaches after consumption
• Behavioural changes: Irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings

True tartrazine allergy is rare (affecting <0.1% of the population), but sensitivity is more common.

Cross-Sensitivity with Aspirin

People who are sensitive to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) may also react to tartrazine. If you have aspirin sensitivity or asthma triggered by aspirin, it's best to avoid E102.

Is E102 Banned Anywhere?

Tartrazine is not banned in the UK or EU, but it is restricted:

• UK/EU: Approved but requires a warning label about effects on children
• Norway and Austria: Previously banned, now allowed with restrictions
• USA: Approved by FDA but must be listed on labels
• Australia: Approved with mandatory labelling

Many food manufacturers in the UK have voluntarily removed tartrazine from their products due to consumer pressure, particularly in children's foods.

Which Brands Have Removed E102?

Major UK brands that removed tartrazine from their products:

• Mars, Nestlé, Cadbury: Removed artificial colours from confectionery
• Marks & Spencer: Removed E102 from all own-brand products
• Sainsbury's: Removed from most own-brand items
• Tesco: Phased out from children's products
• Waitrose: Removed from own-brand ranges

However, E102 is still found in many budget brands and imported products.

Natural Alternatives to E102

Many companies now use natural yellow colours instead of tartrazine:

• E100 (Curcumin): Natural yellow from turmeric — considered safe
• E160a (Carotene): Orange-yellow from carrots — safe, provides vitamin A
• Annatto (E160b): Natural yellow-orange from achiote seeds
• Saffron: Natural yellow spice (expensive, rarely used in mass-produced foods)

How to Avoid E102 (Tartrazine)

To eliminate tartrazine from your family's diet:

• Read ingredient labels: Look for "E102", "tartrazine", "FD&C Yellow 5", "CI 19140"
• Check warning labels: Products with "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" contain E102 or similar dyes
• Avoid bright yellow/green foods: Especially budget sweets, soft drinks, and processed snacks
• Choose premium brands: Many have removed artificial colours
• Buy organic: Organic certification prohibits synthetic colours like E102
• Make homemade: Cook from scratch to avoid hidden additives
• Use a food scanner: Apps like NutraSafe instantly identify E102 in packaged foods

What About Medicines?

Tartrazine is sometimes used to colour liquid medicines and vitamin supplements, particularly children's formulations. If your child is sensitive to E102:

• Ask your pharmacist for tartrazine-free alternatives
• Check labels on liquid medicines (E102 must be listed)
• Request uncoloured or white tablet versions where possible

The Bottom Line on Tartrazine

E102 is legal in the UK but carries significant concerns, particularly for children. The mandatory warning label reflects government acknowledgement of research linking it to hyperactivity.

For children: Many parents choose to avoid it, especially if their child shows signs of hyperactivity or attention issues.

For adults: Generally tolerated, but some people with aspirin sensitivity or asthma may react.

With many natural yellow alternatives available (like curcumin), there's little reason to consume tartrazine if you have concerns.

Check Foods for E102 Instantly

Worried about tartrazine in your family's food? Use NutraSafe's free barcode scanner to check any UK product instantly. The app identifies all E-numbers, including E102, and explains health concerns for children.