What is the allergen E102 (Tartrazine)?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 1 in 10,000 individuals may experience sensitivity to the food additive Tartrazine. The allergen E102, also known as Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5, is a synthetic food coloring widely used in processed foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

Quick Summary

The synthetic food dye Tartrazine (E102) is a known allergen for sensitive individuals, causing symptoms such as hives, asthma, and hyperactivity in some children. It is found in many processed goods and pharmaceuticals. Adverse reactions are more akin to intolerance rather than a true immunological allergy.

Key Points

Identity: E102 is Tartrazine, a synthetic azo dye known as FD&C Yellow No. 5, commonly used as a food coloring.
Hypersensitivity: A small percentage of the population experiences pseudoallergic reactions or intolerance to E102, not a true immune allergy.
Symptoms: Adverse reactions can include hives, rashes, asthma, and other skin and respiratory issues.
Link to Aspirin: People sensitive to aspirin have a higher likelihood of also reacting adversely to Tartrazine.
Behavioral Effects: In the EU, products with E102 must carry a warning about potential adverse effects on activity and attention in children.
Ubiquitous Presence: E102 is present in many processed foods, drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making strict avoidance difficult.
Management: The primary way to manage a Tartrazine sensitivity is through strict dietary avoidance and careful label-reading.

What Is E102 and Why Is It Considered an Allergen?

E102 is the European Union's code for Tartrazine, a bright, lemon-yellow synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. It is used extensively as a coloring agent because of its low cost and high stability. While regulatory bodies like the FDA in the U.S. and EFSA in Europe deem it safe for the general population when consumed within acceptable daily intake levels, a small subset of the population experiences adverse reactions. These reactions are often described as a pseudoallergic, or intolerance, response rather than a classic immune system-mediated allergy.

The Link Between E102, Allergies, and Sensitivities

Adverse reactions to Tartrazine are not caused by a typical immune response involving IgE antibodies. Instead, they are pharmacological in nature, meaning they are a direct effect of the substance on the body. This can make diagnosis difficult as the symptoms may resemble a true allergy. There is extensive research suggesting a higher prevalence of sensitivity among individuals who are also sensitive to aspirin. This is because both Tartrazine and aspirin can affect the same biochemical pathways in the body. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is a consistent pattern in reported cases.

Some common symptoms reported from Tartrazine sensitivity include:

Skin reactions such as hives (urticaria) and rashes
Respiratory issues, including asthma-like symptoms and nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and vomiting
Neurological symptoms such as migraines and blurred vision
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema) in severe cases

E102 and Hyperactivity in Children

One of the most controversial aspects of E102 is its potential link to hyperactivity in children. The 2007 Southampton study in the UK found a possible link between a mixture of certain food dyes, including Tartrazine, and increased hyperactivity in children. Following these findings, the European Union mandated that products containing E102 and five other dyes carry a warning label stating: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". While regulatory bodies like the FDA have not found sufficient evidence to prove a direct causative link, they acknowledge that some children with ADHD may benefit from avoiding this and other artificial food colorings.

Where is the Allergen E102 (Tartrazine) Found?

E102 is a very common additive due to its vibrant color and stability. It can be found in a wide range of everyday products, which makes avoidance challenging for sensitive individuals. Reading ingredient labels is crucial for proper management.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of products that may contain E102:

Beverages: Soft drinks, fruit squashes, and energy drinks
Confectionery: Candies, jellies, marzipan, and colored icing
Baked Goods: Cakes, biscuits, and some packaged pastries
Desserts: Puddings, ice creams, and ice pops
Packaged Foods: Flavored chips, cereals, instant soups, and certain sauces
Condiments: Mustard and pickles
Pharmaceuticals: Tablet coatings, vitamin capsules, and liquid medicines
Cosmetics: Soaps, shampoos, and moisturizers

Comparison of Tartrazine (E102) and Natural Yellow Dyes


Feature	E102 (Tartrazine)	Natural Yellow Dyes (e.g., Curcumin E100)
Origin	Synthetic, derived from petroleum.	Naturally sourced from plants (e.g., turmeric).
Cost	Very inexpensive to produce.	Often more expensive due to extraction processes.
Stability	Highly stable against heat, light, and acidity.	Varies, with some being less stable than their synthetic counterparts.
Allergenicity	Known to cause pseudoallergic reactions in sensitive individuals.	Considered generally safer, with rare allergic reactions reported.
Regulatory Warnings	Requires a hyperactivity warning label in the EU for some products.	Not subject to the same strict labeling requirements.
Health Concerns	Linked to behavioral changes in children, especially combined with other additives.	No significant links to hyperactivity or other sensitivities.

Conclusion

While E102, or Tartrazine, is an approved and widely used synthetic food coloring, it is a significant concern for a specific portion of the population that experiences hypersensitivity or pseudoallergic reactions. Symptoms can range from skin rashes and hives to asthma attacks and behavioral changes in children. Managing a sensitivity to E102 requires diligent label-reading and a careful diet to avoid the multitude of processed foods, drinks, and medicines where this inexpensive dye is used. When in doubt, consulting with a healthcare provider or allergist can provide a definitive course of action and confirm if E102 is the source of adverse reactions. As public awareness of food additives and their effects grows, many consumers are opting for products with natural colorings instead of synthetic dyes like Tartrazine. This trend is driven by personal health concerns, despite broad regulatory approvals that deem the additive safe in limited quantities. Find out more about food sensitivities on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Tartrazine intolerance is a pseudoallergic reaction that does not involve the immune system's production of IgE antibodies, unlike a true allergy. The symptoms may be similar, but the underlying mechanism is pharmacological rather than immunological.

Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include skin reactions such as hives (urticaria) and itching, respiratory issues like asthma or nasal congestion, and in some cases, migraines.

The European Union requires a warning label on products containing E102, noting that it 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children,' based on research like the Southampton study. The U.S. FDA, however, has not found conclusive evidence of a direct cause, though it recognizes potential links for some susceptible children.

E102 can be found in a variety of items, including soft drinks, candies, processed cheeses, instant soups, and certain pharmaceutical drugs and vitamin supplements.

While it was previously banned in some European nations, like Norway and Austria, those bans were lifted to align with EU regulations. However, regulations often limit its use and require specific warnings.

Management primarily involves strict avoidance of products containing E102. Careful label-reading is essential, and sensitive individuals should look for the terms 'Tartrazine', 'FD&C Yellow No. 5', or the code 'E102'.

Yes, natural yellow colorings exist, such as curcumin (E100), which is extracted from the spice turmeric. Many manufacturers are now opting for natural dyes in response to consumer demand.