Tartrazine

Synthetic azo dye (trisodium 5-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)pyrazole-3-carboxylate).

Yellow coloring in soft drinks, confectionery, desserts, and processed snacks.

Most people tolerate tartrazine without issue. Some studies link azo dyes with hyperactivity in sensitive children when consumed with other dyes (Southampton study context).

May trigger intolerance reactions in aspirin-sensitive or allergic individuals. EU requires warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' when present.

Permitted in the EU with mandatory labelling requirements for certain uses.

Tartrazine is approved in the U.S. as the certified color FD&C Yellow No. 5. It requires FDA batch certification before use and must be declared by name on labels of many foods, including butter, cheese, and ice cream. The EU requires a hyperactivity warning for certain dye combinations; the U.S. requires specific FD&C Yellow No. 5 naming instead.

Food-category maximum levels in EU Annex II Part E (e.g., specific mg/kg limits for beverages and confectionery).

0–7.5 mg/kg body weight per day (JECFA/EFSA).