Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Tartrazine on Food Labels in EU

Tartrazine is permitted but requires specific warning statements in European Union: declare as "tartrazine (E102)" with the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

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What the Rule Is

Synthetic yellow azo dye widely used in confectionery, soft drinks, and snack foods. In European Union, Tartrazine is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food coloring. EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex V require the warning text to appear on the label alongside the colour name and E-number.

What You Must Include

Declare as "tartrazine (E102)" in the ingredient list
Include the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E102
Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources

Common Violations

Missing the mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Tartrazine
Omitting the E-number E102 where required
Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Tartrazine content

Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: tartrazine (E102)" + warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"

"tartrazine (E102)" in ingredient list

Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... tartrazine (E102) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4) without the approved declaration name

Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration

"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required

How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Tartrazine and all its common names (Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4, E102) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and mandatory warning statements under EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Tartrazine be declared on food labels in EU?

Declare as "tartrazine (E102)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex V require the warning text to appear on the label alongside the colour name and E-number.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Tartrazine?

Tartrazine may appear under the following names: Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4, E102. Common hidden sources include: Soft drinks, Confectionery, Instant noodles, Pickles, Cheese powder, Mustard, Lime cordial.

Is Tartrazine banned or restricted in any market?

Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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