Comparing E102 - Tartrazine vs E160AIV - Algal carotenes

Is yellow 5 bad for you?

At permitted food-use levels, tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5) is considered safe by regulators (ADI up to 7.5 mg/kg body weight/day). A small number of people—especially those with aspirin sensitivity—may have hives or asthma-like reactions, and the EU requires a label about possible effects on activity and attention in children.

What is yellow 5 made of?

It is a synthetic azo dye: the trisodium salt of a sulfonated aromatic azo compound based on a pyrazolone ring (C.I. 19140). It is produced from petroleum-derived intermediates such as sulfonated anilines and a pyrazolone derivative.

Is yellow 5 bad?

For most consumers, no—it's approved and considered safe at typical dietary intakes. Rare hypersensitivity reactions can occur, and some children may be susceptible to small, reversible effects on behavior.

What does yellow 5 do to your body?

It primarily provides color and is largely excreted, with a small portion metabolized by gut bacteria before elimination. In sensitive individuals it can trigger hives or wheezing, and some children may experience mild, short-lived effects on activity or attention.

How is yellow 5 made?

Industrially, sulfanilic acid (or similar sulfonated anilines) is diazotized and azo-coupled to a pyrazolone derivative, then neutralized to form the trisodium salt. Lake forms are made by precipitating the dye onto an insoluble substrate such as aluminum hydroxide.