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E102ColorantElevated concern
Tartrazine
In plain words
The short version
A bright yellow synthetic azo dye widely used in beverages, candies, and sauces.
Why we flag it
A synthetic yellow dye (Tartrazine / Yellow 5). It only adds colour, but studies linked dyes like this to hyperactivity in some children, so the EU makes products carry a warning label — and a few people get hives from it. That's why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI of 7.5 mg/kg body weight. Linked to hyperactivity in some sensitive children in the Southampton study, leading to a mandatory EU warning label: 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' Also documented as a rare trigger of urticaria in aspirin-sensitive individuals.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.