Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

Medium Concern

Artificial Colour

Also known as

yellow 5tartrazinee102fd&c yellow no. 5fd&c yellow 5

The concern

Southampton Six dye linked to hyperactivity in children. EFSA requires a "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" warning in the EU. Cross-reactive in aspirin-sensitive individuals.

Read the source: EFSA / Lancet

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
yellow 5
tartrazine
e102
fd&c yellow no. 5
fd&c yellow 5

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source: EFSA / Lancet

Commonly found in

Sweets, soft drinks, cereals, ice cream, sauces, confectionery

Other artificial colours to know about

Red 3 (Erythrosine)

HIGH

FDA banned Red 3 in food and ingested drugs in January 2025 after studies showed it causes thyroid tumours in male rats.

Red 40 (Allura Red)

MEDIUM

One of the "Southampton Six" food dyes.

Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)

MEDIUM

Southampton Six dye.

Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)

LOW

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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