Additives · Color
Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) (E102)
A synthetic lemon-yellow dye.
Where it's restricted
US (FDA)Allowed
EUAllowed with warning label
CaliforniaBanned in school mealsfrom 2027-12-31
West VirginiaBannedfrom 2028-01-01
West VirginiaBanned in school mealsfrom 2025-08-01
TexasWarning label requiredfrom 2027-01-01
LouisianaBanned in school mealsfrom 2028-2029 school year
LouisianaWarning label requiredfrom 2028-01-01
What each rule says, with sources
- US (FDA): Allowed FDA allows Yellow No. 5 as a certified color additive. Source
- EU: Allowed with warning label Allowed as E102, but foods containing it must say it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex V) Source
- California: Banned in school meals from 2027-12-31 Banned in food and drinks offered in California public schools from December 31, 2027. (AB 2316 (2024)) Source
- West Virginia: Banned from 2028-01-01 Food containing it is treated as adulterated in West Virginia from January 1, 2028. (HB 2354 (2025)) Source
- West Virginia: Banned in school meals from 2025-08-01 Banned in West Virginia school meals since August 1, 2025. (HB 2354 (2025)) Source
- Texas: Warning label required from 2027-01-01 Labels developed on or after January 1, 2027 must warn that the product contains an ingredient not recommended for consumption in Australia, Canada, the EU or the UK. (SB 25 (2025)) Source
- Louisiana: Banned in school meals from 2028-2029 school year Banned in Louisiana school food from the 2028-2029 school year (concession stands and vending machines exempt). (SB 14, Act 463 (2025)) Source
- Louisiana: Warning label required from 2028-01-01 Products containing it must carry a QR code disclosure from January 1, 2028. (SB 14, Act 463 (2025)) Source
Also listed on labels as: Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow No. 5, Tartrazine, Yellow 5 Lake.
Products that list it
33,862 products in USDA's label data name Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) in their ingredients.
Candy (10,805)Cookies & Biscuits (2,431)Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes (2,382)Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes (1,758)Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks (1,655)Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings (1,541)Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt (1,216)Other Snacks (1,013)
- Jelly Bar Dragonfly · Candy · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
- Mangoneada Helados La Tapatia · Other Frozen Desserts · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
- Dill Spears Gedney · Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- Punjabi Mix Bombay Kitchen · Other Snacks · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
- Karm'l Dapple California Candy Company · Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
- Karm'l Dapples California Candy Company · Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
- Sportsman's Mix Eillien's · Other Snacks · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere · 2 package sizes
- Soft & Chewy Candy Sour Patch Kids · Candy · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
- Sweet 'N Salty Mix Kar's · Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks · 2 recalls · 5 additives banned somewhere · 3 package sizes
- Assorted Chocolates Fannie May · Chocolate · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
- Saffron Yellow Rice Vigo · Rice · lab tested · 2 additives banned somewhere · 4 package sizes
- Mexican Rice, Chicken Goya · Flavored Rice Dishes · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere