SEVERE — -15 pts

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

Flags: F-R02, D-R02, T-R02

Also known as: Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow No. 5, E102, CI 19140

Kids Food & SnacksKids BeveragesKids Toothpaste

What it is

Yellow 5 is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye derived from petroleum. It is one of the most common artificial food colors, used in snacks, candy, beverages, cereals, and oral care products to produce yellow, green, and orange hues.

SEVERE

Yellow 5 is flagged SEVERE based on the same AAP and Southampton Study evidence as Red 40. The EU requires a mandatory behavioral warning label. Yellow 5 is also a known trigger for allergic reactions, particularly in aspirin-sensitive individuals.

Why it matters

Behavioral effects in children: hyperactivity and inattention (Southampton Study)
Allergic reactions: urticaria (hives), asthma, and rhinitis, especially in aspirin-sensitive individuals
Cross-reactivity with aspirin in sensitive individuals
Potential thyroid effects at high doses in animal studies

The research

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement)

Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408 PMID: 30037975 [Source]

"AAP identified synthetic food colors including Yellow 5 as additives of concern for behavioral effects in children"

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton Study)

McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. The Lancet, 2007. 370(9598):1560-1567 PMID: 17825405 [Source]

"Yellow 5 was included in the dye mixtures that significantly increased hyperactivity scores in both 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children"

Who should care most

Children ages 2-12, particularly those with ADHD predisposition. Also high risk for aspirin-sensitive individuals and those with existing allergic conditions.

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Permitted. FDA requires listing on labels but no warning.
European Union	Permitted with mandatory warning label (EU Regulation 1333/2008).
Canada	Permitted. No warning label required.
Australia	Permitted as E102.

Sources

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement). Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408. PubMed 30037975
Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children (Southampton Study). McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. The Lancet, 2007. 370(9598):1560-1567. PubMed 17825405

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.