Tartrazine

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as a food coloring. It is also known as E number E102, C.I. 19140, FD&C Yellow 5, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4, and trisodium 1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)-5-pyrazolone-3-carboxylate.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Tartrazine is a azo dye that is produced from the diazotization of sulfanilic acid and its coupling with pyrazolone. It is a water-soluble dye that has a maximum absorbance in an aqueous solution at 427±2 nm.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Tartrazine is used to color a variety of products such as beverages, powdered drink mixes, candy, desserts, custard powder, sauces, and gelatin. It is also used in non-food products such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

There have been claims that tartrazine may cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity. However, the FDA has stated that no causal link between tartrazine and these effects has been scientifically established.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the European Union, tartrazine is listed by the E number E102 and must be identified by name on food labels. In the United States, it is approved by the FDA for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

See also[edit | edit source]

Tartrazine Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD