Ingredient · E 102

E 102

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add tartrazine to foods to give them a yellow color. It is commonly …

What is E 102?

Tartrazine, also known as Yellow 5, is a synthetic yellow dye. It is derived from petroleum and is produced through chemical synthesis.

Is E 102 vegan?

E 102 is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is E 102 a major allergen?

Tartrazine is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA.

What is E 102 used for?

Manufacturers add tartrazine to foods to give them a yellow color.

Is E 102 safe?

In the United States, tartrazine (Yellow 5) is an FDA-approved color additive.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add tartrazine to foods to give them a yellow color. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods, snack cakes, popcorn, and beverages.

Health notes

In the United States, tartrazine (Yellow 5) is an FDA-approved color additive. JECFA has evaluated tartrazine and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. There have been discussions about a possible link between tartrazine and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on this topic is mixed. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5.

Allergen info

Tartrazine is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA.

Foods that contain E 102

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Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6: What the Evidence Says →

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.