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Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Tartrazine on Food Labels in US

Tartrazine is permitted with proper declaration in United States: declare as "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Synthetic yellow azo dye widely used in confectionery, soft drinks, and snack foods. In United States, Tartrazine is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food coloring. FDA requires declaration by the specific name "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. No warning for activity or attention required. Color additives must be listed by their specific names.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list
  • 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
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "FD&C Yellow No. 5"
  • 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: FD&C Yellow No. 5"
"FD&C Yellow No. 5" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... FD&C Yellow No. 5 ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI Food Yellow 4) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Tartrazine" without functional class or E-number
"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 proper functional class labeling under US rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Tartrazine be declared on food labels in US?

Declare as "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. FDA requires declaration by the specific name "FD&C Yellow No. 5" in the ingredient list. No warning for activity or attention required. Color additives must be listed by their specific names.

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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