E102-TARTRAZINE

Tartrazine, also known by the code E102, is a synthetic coloring widely used in the food industry. 

• Function: Tartrazine is used as a yellow food coloring. It is often used to give a bright yellow tint to various food products.
• Applications: Tartrazine is commonly used in a variety of food products such as soft drinks, confectionery, candies, desserts, pastries, baked goods, sauces, condiments and some medications.
• Composition: Tartrazine is an azo dye, which means that it contains an azo chromophore group (-N=N-) responsible for its color. Chemically, tartrazine is often referred to as the disodium salt of tartrazine.
• Safety: Tartrazine is generally considered safe when used in quantities permitted in food regulations. However, some people may be sensitive to this dye, and in rare cases allergic reactions may occur. In some countries, food products containing tartrazine must be labeled with a warning indicating the presence of this coloring.
• Labeling: According to food regulations, products containing tartrazine must include its name in the list of ingredients on the label under the code E102.
• Regulation: The permitted amounts of tartrazine in foods are regulated by the health authorities of each country. Regulations may vary from country to country.
• Alternatives: Due to concerns about allergies and adverse reactions, some manufacturers offer natural alternatives of yellow dyes, for example, derived from turmeric or carotenes.