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Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye commonly used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
It is water-soluble and is used as a coloring agent in various items such as candies, drinks, and processed foods.
The dye has a characteristic yellow color and is regulated by food safety authorities due to its potential allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with aspirin sensitivity.
CAS Number: 1934-21-0
Synonyms:
Acid Yellow 23,C.I. 19140,FD&C Yellow 5,Yellow No. 5,Food Yellow 4
Introduction
Overview of Tartrazine:
Tartrazine, also known as E102, is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye.
It is one of the most widely used food colorants globally.
It is water-soluble and has a bright yellow color.
It is produced from coal tar and was first synthesized in the early 19th century.
It is frequently used to color beverages, confectionery, snacks, and processed foods.
Historical Background and Discovery:
The discovery of Tartrazine dates back to the early 19th century, during the golden age of synthetic dyes.
Initially, it was derived from coal tar, and later, it was mass-produced for commercial use, becoming widely adopted due to its vibrant color and cost-effectiveness.
It was formally introduced to the market in the early 1900s and soon became a popular food and textile dye.
Overview of Its Regulatory Status Globally:
The dye is approved for use in various countries under different regulatory frameworks, such as the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and other food safety regulatory agencies.
It is subject to varying guidelines depending on the country.
For example, the European Union has stricter regulations compared to the United States, where Tartrazine remains widely accepted.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure:
The chemical structure of Tartrazine is based on the azo group (-N=N-), which is characteristic of many synthetic food dyes.
The dye’s structure includes a benzene ring linked to other components, allowing it to exhibit its distinctive yellow color.
The molecular formula is C16H9N4Na3O9S2, with a molar mass of 534.3 g/mol.
Chemical Formula and Composition:
Tartrazine is a disodium salt of a sulfonic acid, with its solubility and stability highly dependent on pH.
It contains sodium, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms, contributing to its water-soluble properties.
Physical Properties:
The powder form of Tartrazine is typically yellow, soluble in water and ethanol, with a pH in solution ranging between 4 and 7.
The dye’s solubility allows it to be easily incorporated into liquid and semi-liquid products like beverages and sauces.
Its stability is higher in acidic solutions, which is why it is favored in food products with a low pH.
Production
Manufacturing Process:
Tartrazine is synthesized through a chemical reaction between 2-amino-5-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid and 2,4-diaminophenyl-azo compounds.
The process involves condensation reactions, where sulfonate groups are introduced to the aromatic ring to increase its water solubility.
The synthetic method is optimized to reduce impurities, ensuring the production of high-purity Tartrazine for use in food, cosmetics, and other products.
Raw Materials Used in Production:
Coal tar derivatives are often the primary raw material for the production of many synthetic dyes, including Tartrazine.
Other chemicals include sodium hydroxide, chlorine compounds, and sulfonic acid derivatives.
Some of the reagents used are considered hazardous, and thus, strict controls are applied during production to manage waste and ensure quality.
Methods of Synthesis:
The process is typically carried out under controlled conditions to ensure the right chemical composition and color intensity.
Advanced filtration and purification methods are used to remove impurities and byproducts that might affect the dye’s properties.
Uses and Applications
Industrial Uses:
Beyond food coloring, Tartrazine is used in the manufacturing of textiles, paper products, and in some pharmaceutical applications.
Its ability to provide a consistent yellow hue makes it valuable in various industries.
Tartrazine also serves as a coloring agent in the production of cosmetics like shampoos, lotions, and soaps.
Food and Beverage Applications:
In the food industry, Tartrazine is widely used in processed foods, including candies, chips, ice creams, sodas, and packaged meals.
It is favored for its stability and bright color, making it an ideal choice for mass-produced consumer products.
Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Uses:
In cosmetics, it is used to color products like lipsticks, moisturizers, and even some hair products.
Pharmaceutical applications include tablet coatings and syrups where it is used for identification or aesthetic appeal.
Other Practical Applications:Tartrazine has found uses in printing inks and is sometimes included in craft products, such as paints and markers.
Regulatory Status and Guidelines
Approval by Different Regulatory Bodies:
The FDA has approved the use of Tartrazine in food products, but it mandates that food labels disclose its presence, particularly in the U.S. However, it is banned or restricted in several European countries, such as Norway and Sweden, due to health concerns.
Maximum Allowable Concentrations in Various Products:
The maximum permissible concentration of Tartrazine varies from country to country.
In the European Union, the upper limit for Tartrazine in food is often specified at 50 mg/kg, while the U.S. sets similar limits for specific products.
Bans or Restrictions in Certain Countries:
Some countries have completely banned the use of Tartrazine due to health risks and public pressure.
In the European Union, Tartrazine has been banned from products like children's foods and beverages with certain limitations.
Environmental Impact
Impact on the Environment During Production and Disposal:
The environmental impact of Tartrazine production is associated with the release of harmful chemicals and waste.
If not properly managed, it can contaminate water sources and soil.
Some studies suggest that the dye, when released into the environment, can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Biodegradability and Ecological Risks:
Tartrazine is not easily biodegradable, and its presence in the environment can lead to long-term ecological consequences.
As a synthetic dye, it does not break down quickly in natural environments, leading to potential harm to flora and fauna.
Waste Management and Recycling Considerations:
There are efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of Tartrazine through waste treatment and recycling. Companies involved in its production use modern filtration and treatment techniques to minimize pollution.
Alternatives to Tartrazine
Other Food Colorants and Their Comparative Effectiveness:
Other synthetic food colorants like Sunset Yellow FCF (E110), and natural alternatives like beet juice powder, spirulina, and turmeric, are often used in place of Tartrazine.
These alternatives may offer comparable coloring properties with fewer health risks and more public appeal.
Trends Toward Natural Colorants:
There is growing consumer demand for natural food colorants, driving the food and beverage industry to explore plant-based dyes as alternatives to synthetic ones like Tartrazine.
For example, anthocyanins, curcumin, and paprika extract are now being used more frequently in place of artificial colorants.
Controversies and Public Perception
Media and Public Concerns Regarding the Safety of Tartrazine:
Media coverage, particularly in the late 20th century, raised concerns about Tartrazine's potential effects on children's health, contributing to a public perception of it as harmful.
The term “yellow dye 5” is often associated with hyperactivity and other side effects, fueling consumer skepticism.
Discussion of Bans and Restrictions:
The push for bans in countries like the EU was largely driven by growing concern over consumer health, particularly with respect to food additives and their impact on children’s behavior and health.
Consumer Choices and Preferences:
Consumer preferences have shifted towards natural and organic foods, including natural colorants. Some companies have removed artificial dyes from their products, responding to the growing trend of clean-label products.
Conclusion
Summary of the Findings:
Tartrazine is a widely used synthetic yellow dye with a long history in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
While effective and inexpensive, it is not without health and environmental concerns, particularly for individuals with sensitivities.
Future Directions in the Research and Use of Tartrazine:
The continued exploration of natural colorants and the impact of synthetic dyes on consumer health will likely shape the future of Tartrazine’s use.
Research will focus on finding safer alternatives without compromising on product quality or appearance.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT E102 TARTRAZINE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
