What Does Tartrazine Do to Your Body?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

In a 2007 study, the UK Food Standards Agency found a possible link between consuming certain artificial food colors, including tartrazine, and increased hyperactivity in children. This synthetic yellow azo dye, also known as Yellow 5 or E102, has been the subject of long-standing controversy regarding its health implications.

Quick Summary

Tartrazine, a synthetic yellow food dye, is linked to allergic reactions and increased hyperactivity in sensitive individuals, though most regulatory bodies consider it safe for the general population within acceptable daily limits.

Key Points

Allergic Reactions: Tartrazine (Yellow 5/E102) can trigger allergic-type reactions like hives, asthma exacerbations, and angioedema in a small, susceptible population.
Hyperactivity Link: Some research, including the Southampton study, suggests a potential link between tartrazine consumption and increased hyperactivity and attention issues in children.
Regulatory Acceptance: Most international regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and WHO, consider tartrazine safe for consumption within established daily limits for the general population.
Risk for Sensitive Individuals: People with pre-existing conditions like aspirin intolerance or asthma are at a higher risk of adverse reactions to tartrazine.
High-Dose Animal Studies: Research using high doses in lab animals indicates potential risks such as oxidative stress and toxicity to organs like the liver and kidneys, though the relevance to typical human exposure is debated.
Metabolites: The azo dye structure of tartrazine can be reduced in the body to form aromatic amines, which are potentially toxic compounds.

Tartrazine, also referred to as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye widely used to impart color to processed foods, beverages, cosmetics, and medications. Its low cost and stability make it a popular choice for manufacturers seeking a vibrant color. However, the dye has been the focus of decades of debate over its potential health effects, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Allergic and Hypersensitivity Reactions

For a small percentage of the population, tartrazine can trigger allergic or pseudoallergic reactions. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but evidence suggests the intolerance is a pharmacological response rather than a classic immune response. Symptoms may include urticaria, angioedema, respiratory issues (especially in asthmatics and those with aspirin intolerance), and gastrointestinal issues.

Cross-Reactivity and Population Sensitivity

Studies suggest a higher prevalence of tartrazine sensitivity among those with aspirin intolerance. Some research also indicates cross-reactivity with other food chemicals. Estimates suggest less than 0.12% of the general population may be sensitive.

Behavioral Effects, Especially in Children

The link between tartrazine and hyperactivity is controversial. A 2007 UK study found a possible link between a mixture of food dyes, including tartrazine, and increased hyperactivity in children.

This led to the European Union requiring a warning label on products containing certain artificial colors, including tartrazine, stating they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. However, major regulatory bodies like the FDA have not substantiated a widespread link. Some animal studies have also suggested potential links to hyperactivity and anxiety.

Oxidative Stress and Organ Toxicity

High-dose animal studies have raised concerns about tartrazine's potential for systemic toxicity. Research suggests it can induce oxidative stress, potentially leading to cellular damage and inflammation. Animal studies have highlighted potential toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and reproductive organs at high doses.

It is important to note that these high doses exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for humans.

Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity

Concerns exist regarding tartrazine's potential genotoxic effects and a possible link to cancer due to it being an azo dye. While some in vitro studies showed genotoxic effects on isolated human cells, long-term rodent carcinogenicity studies have generally been negative. Regulatory authorities conclude tartrazine is not carcinogenic based on current studies.

Regulatory Landscape and Risk Assessment

Tartrazine is permitted in many countries with restrictions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have regulations, including batch testing and labeling.


Aspect	Sensitive Population (e.g., asthmatics, aspirin-intolerant)	General Population
Allergic Reactions	High risk of hives, angioedema, and asthma exacerbations.	Very low risk; estimated prevalence of intolerance is <0.12%.
Behavioral Effects	Potentially higher susceptibility to hyperactivity and attention issues, especially in children.	Most studies do not show a significant link, and evidence is debated.
Organ Toxicity (High Dose)	Mechanisms involving oxidative stress suggest potential impact, though data is mostly from high-dose animal studies.	At or below the acceptable daily intake (ADI), deemed safe by regulatory bodies.
Carcinogenicity	No definitive link found in long-term human or animal studies at regulated levels.	No definitive link found in long-term human or animal studies at regulated levels.

Conclusion

For most people, tartrazine is safe within regulatory limits. However, a small subset, especially those with pre-existing allergies like aspirin intolerance, can experience adverse reactions like hives and respiratory issues. The link to hyperactivity in sensitive children is debated but led to warning labels in the EU. Consumers concerned about tartrazine should check labels.

For more information on the toxicology of tartrazine, a detailed review of in vitro and animal studies is available through the National Institutes of Health {Link: National Institutes of Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12473652/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most regulatory agencies consider it safe for the general population at approved levels, a small percentage of individuals have an intolerance or allergy to it, which can cause adverse reactions.

Tartrazine is also widely known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 in the United States and E102 in Europe.

Symptoms of tartrazine sensitivity can include skin rashes, hives (urticaria), facial swelling (angioedema), and, in some cases, respiratory issues like asthma or wheezing.

The link between tartrazine and hyperactivity is controversial. Some studies, like the Southampton study, have found a possible link, leading the EU to require warning labels on affected products, though the FDA has not found conclusive evidence.

Individuals with known sensitivities to aspirin and asthmatics appear to be at a higher risk of adverse reactions to tartrazine.

Yes, tartrazine is still permitted and used in many countries. Regulations often require it to be listed on product labels (e.g., as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102) to inform consumers.

Yes, as consumer demand for natural ingredients grows, manufacturers are increasingly exploring and using natural pigments such as turmeric, annatto, and carotenoids as substitutes for tartrazine.