E102 & Blue #1

E102, also known as Tartrazine or Yellow 5, and Blue #1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, are synthetic food colorings. They are manufactured from petroleum byproducts. These dyes are added to foods to provide or enhance color.

Manufacturers add these colorings to foods to make them more visually appealing. They are commonly found in a wide variety of products, including candies, beverages, baked goods, and snacks. Their bright colors can help distinguish products and signal specific flavors.

Both Yellow 5 and Blue 1 are FDA-approved food additives. The FDA has stated that Yellow 5 may cause hives in a small number of people. Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these colorings and established acceptable daily intakes. FDA announced a plan in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Blue 1, though specific timelines for removal from the market have not yet been set.