Tartrazine

Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as a food coloring. It is also known as E number E102, C.I. 19140, FD&C Yellow 5, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4, and trisodium 1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)-5-pyrazolone-3-carboxylate.

Chemistry

Tartrazine is a azo dye that is produced from the diazotization of sulfanilic acid and its coupling with pyrazolone. It is a water-soluble dye that has a maximum absorbance in an aqueous solution at 427±2 nm.

Uses

Tartrazine is used to color a variety of products such as beverages, powdered drink mixes, candy, desserts, custard powder, sauces, and gelatin. It is also used in non-food products such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Health effects

There have been claims that tartrazine may cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity. However, the FDA has stated that no causal link between tartrazine and these effects has been scientifically established.

Regulation

In the European Union, tartrazine is listed by the E number E102 and must be identified by name on food labels. In the United States, it is approved by the FDA for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

See also

• Food coloring
• E number
• Azo compound
• Sulfanilic acid
• Pyrazolone