Are tartrazine and erioglaucine safe to consume?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), color additives like tartrazine and erioglaucine are safe for use in foods and other products when used in compliance with approved regulations and restrictions. Despite this, public concern persists regarding potential health effects and sensitivities associated with these synthetic dyes.

Quick Summary

This article details the safety profiles of tartrazine (Yellow 5) and erioglaucine (Blue 1), exploring the scientific research, regulatory status, and potential consumer health effects, including allergic reactions and hyperactivity links.

Key Points

Regulatory Approval: Both tartrazine and erioglaucine are approved and regulated by bodies like the FDA for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics within specific limits.
Tartrazine Allergies: Tartrazine (Yellow 5) can cause allergic reactions like hives and asthma in a small, susceptible population, especially those sensitive to aspirin.
Behavioral Links (Tartrazine): Some studies suggest a link between tartrazine and hyperactivity in sensitive children, which has led to required warning labels in the European Union.
Erioglaucine Safety: Erioglaucine (Blue 1) is generally considered low-risk for ingestion, with potential irritation concerns primarily related to occupational handling of concentrated dust.
Conflicting Science: Research on potential long-term effects of tartrazine, such as cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, can be conflicting, highlighting the need for ongoing study.
Labeling is Key: In many regions, the presence of tartrazine must be explicitly listed on ingredient labels, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Consumer Awareness: For those concerned about synthetic ingredients, reading labels and understanding regulatory contexts are the best tools for managing intake.

A Closer Look at Tartrazine (Yellow 5 / E102)

Tartrazine, also known as Yellow 5 or E102, is one of the most widely used synthetic azo dyes in the food, drug, and cosmetic industries. It is valued for its vivid yellow color, stability, and low cost. Despite its prevalence and regulatory approval in many countries, tartrazine has been the subject of long-standing controversy surrounding its health effects, especially regarding allergies and behavioral issues in children.

Potential Health Concerns with Tartrazine

Allergic Reactions and Intolerance: For most of the population, tartrazine is harmless. However, for a small subset of sensitive individuals, it can trigger allergic-type reactions. Symptoms may include urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), and asthma, particularly in those with aspirin sensitivity or pre-existing asthma. The FDA estimates that fewer than 1 in 10,000 people experience hives from tartrazine.
Hyperactivity in Children: The link between tartrazine and hyperactivity has been debated for decades. A landmark 2007 study from the University of Southampton found a potential link between a mixture of food dyes (including tartrazine) and hyperactivity in some children. This led the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to require a warning label on products containing tartrazine and five other dyes in the EU, stating they 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. However, the EFSA's subsequent re-evaluation in 2009 concluded that the evidence was insufficient to alter the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the dye.
Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity: Some in vitro and animal studies have raised concerns about potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tartrazine, especially at higher concentrations. Research suggests it may cause DNA damage and affect normal cell proliferation in certain test systems. However, these results are often conflicting and the findings do not always translate directly to human health risks from typical consumption levels.

A Closer Look at Erioglaucine (Blue 1 / Brilliant Blue FCF / E133)

Erioglaucine, known as Blue 1 or Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic dye commonly used to create blue or greenish colors in food, beverages, and other products. Like tartrazine, its use is permitted by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EFSA. Its safety profile is generally considered to be lower risk than tartrazine regarding allergies and behavioral effects, though certain cautions apply, particularly in occupational settings.

Potential Health Considerations for Erioglaucine

Low Acute Toxicity: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for erioglaucine indicate low acute toxicity via ingestion, with symptoms limited to potential digestive tract irritation. Acute exposure risk is mainly related to occupational handling of the concentrated powder, which can cause skin and eye irritation or, rarely, respiratory issues from inhalation.
No Carcinogenicity Link: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies erioglaucine in Group 3, meaning it is 'not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans'. Similarly, assessments by the FDA and other bodies have not found sufficient evidence linking it to cancer risk in humans at approved levels.
Environmental Mobility: Erioglaucine is water-soluble, which means it can spread in water systems if released into the environment, but it is not known to be a persistent pollutant or endocrine disruptor.

A Comparative Look at Tartrazine and Erioglaucine


Feature	Tartrazine (Yellow 5 / E102)	Erioglaucine (Blue 1 / E133)
Regulatory Status	Regulated and approved by the FDA and EFSA within set limits.	Regulated and approved by the FDA and EFSA within set limits.
Allergenic Potential	Known to cause allergic reactions (e.g., hives, asthma) in a small, susceptible population.	Allergic reactions are rare and not a primary concern for most consumers.
Behavioral Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity in some studies, leading to EU-wide warning labels for children.	No significant link to hyperactivity has been established.
Other Concerns	Potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity at high doses in some studies; needs further research.	Low acute toxicity; concerns mainly related to occupational exposure to concentrated powder.
Source	Synthetic, derived from petroleum.	Synthetic, derived from petroleum.

Making an Informed Decision

Who Should Be Cautious?

Individuals with Aspirin Sensitivity: People with documented aspirin hypersensitivity have a higher risk of cross-reactivity to tartrazine and should be especially vigilant about avoiding it.
Parents of Children with Behavioral Issues: While the scientific consensus on a definitive link to hyperactivity remains mixed, parents concerned about their child's behavior may opt to avoid products containing tartrazine and other artificial colors.
Asthma Sufferers: Those with asthma, particularly in conjunction with other sensitivities, may experience worsened symptoms from tartrazine exposure and should exercise caution.
Individuals Avoiding Synthetic Additives: For general consumers who prefer to minimize synthetic chemical intake, both dyes are easily identifiable by checking ingredient lists for 'tartrazine,' 'FD&C Yellow No. 5,' 'erioglaucine,' or 'FD&C Blue No. 1'.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In summary, both tartrazine and erioglaucine are regulated and considered safe for consumption within established regulatory limits for most people. However, their safety profiles are not identical. Tartrazine, in particular, poses a known risk of allergic reactions and has a more controversial history concerning behavioral effects in children, albeit often debated. Erioglaucine carries fewer general consumer health concerns, with primary risks linked to occupational handling of the raw material.

For most consumers, the key takeaway is that awareness is paramount. Reading product labels allows individuals to make informed decisions that align with their personal health needs and preferences, especially for those with known sensitivities or concerns about synthetic ingredients. Given the existence of natural color alternatives, some consumers may simply prefer to opt out of synthetic dyes where possible. A deeper understanding of the science and regulations surrounding these additives empowers individuals to navigate their dietary choices effectively.

For more information on food safety, you can visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website on color additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5, is a synthetic azo dye used to give foods, drugs, and cosmetics a yellow color. It is one of the most widely used synthetic food colorants globally.

Erioglaucine, also known as FD&C Blue No. 1 or Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic dye used to impart blue and greenish hues to a variety of products, including many foods and beverages.

Yes, for a small percentage of the population, tartrazine can trigger allergic-type reactions such as hives or asthma, particularly in individuals with aspirin sensitivity.

Some studies, notably the 2007 Southampton study, have shown a correlation between tartrazine (as part of a dye mixture) and increased hyperactivity in certain children. This led to mandatory warning labels in the EU, though overall scientific consensus is debated.

No, erioglaucine is classified by the IARC in Group 3, meaning it is 'not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.' Regulators have not found sufficient evidence of a cancer risk from typical consumption levels.

While some countries previously banned or heavily restricted these dyes, many of those bans were lifted following harmonization with EU regulations. Regulations on acceptable daily intake (ADI) and labeling requirements vary globally.

To avoid these dyes, read product labels and look for 'FD&C Yellow No. 5' (tartrazine) and 'FD&C Blue No. 1' (erioglaucine) in the ingredient list. Many processed foods, medications, and cosmetics contain them.

Tartrazine can be found in many processed items like soft drinks, chips, chewing gum, and desserts. Erioglaucine is often used in colored beverages, candies, and icings.

Both the US (FDA) and EU (EFSA) permit these dyes with restrictions, but EU law requires a specific warning label for tartrazine regarding effects on children's activity, which is not required in the US.