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E102: Tartrazine

CI 19140, Food Yellow 4, Acid Yellow 23.

Origin:
Synthetic azo dye. See here for a background on azo dyes.

Function & characteristics:
Yellow food colour. Very soluble in water.

Products:
Many different products.

Daily intake:
Up to 7.5 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
Tartrazine is an azo dye. No side effects are known for pure tartrazine, except in people who are intolerant to salicylates (aspirin, berries, fruits); in that case tartrazine also induces intolerance symptoms. In combination with benzoates (E210-215), tartrazine is implicated in a large percentage of cases of ADHD syndrome (hyperactivity) in children. Asthmatics may also experience symptoms following consumption of tartrazine, as it is a known histamine-liberating agent.

Dietary restrictions:
None; E102 can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.