FMI - For Mama's Information

The scary stuff they don't tell you about food science

Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye that is used as food colouring. It is used all over the world to colour things yellow and, when combined with blue, green.

Why should you know about tartrazine and what should you know about it? Well, first of all, it has been used everywhere. Until recently, it is what made your Goldfish Crackers, Cheesies, Kraft Dinner and cheddar cheese orange. It is still used in confectionery, cotton candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, instant puddings, flavoured chips, cereals, cake mixes, pastries, custard powder, soups and soup cubes, sauces, some rices, Kool-Aid, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, ice cream, ice pops, candy, chewing gum, marzipan, jam, jelly, gelatins, marmalade, mustard, horseradish, yogurt, noodles, pickles, fruit cordial, biscuits and many convenience foods where it is used with glycerine, lemon and honey products. But it does not end there. The chemical is also used in soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, moisturizers, crayons and stamp dyes, and can sneak into your vitamins, antacids, medicinal capsules and some prescription drugs.
 
Here's why you want to know about it: Tartrazine is responsible for the highest number of allergic and intolerance reactions of all azo dyes and can cause a reaction through ingestion or skin contact. Responses to the chemical range from anxiety, migraines and clinical depression to blureed vision, itching, general weakness, heatwaves, feelings of suffocation, purple skin patches and sleep disturbances. In children, asthma attacks and hives have been noted and a link is suspected between the dye and thyroid tumors, chromosomal damage and hyperactivity. A study at the University of Melbourne found tartrazine to be a culprit in childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder and hyperactivity.
 
Some countries have initiated phasing out the dye and the UK will stop using it completely "by 2009". U.S. law requires tartrazine to be included on ingredients lists as FD&C yellow 5, but some countries (notably China and the EU, who take the stance that studies have been inconclusive) are still using the dye without plans to stop.
 
You probably won't see the word "tartrazine" on a food label, but keep your eye out for "FD&C Yellow 5." When possible, choose organic products, which use beta carotene or annatto extract from the achiote tree to colour things yellow, and look for the "no artificial colouring" announcements on your snack food.

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