Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as a food coloring. It is also known as E number E102, C.I. 19140, FD&C Yellow 5, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4, and Trisodium 1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)-5-pyrazolone-3-carboxylate). Tartrazine is a synthetic organic chemical.
Tartrazine is a synthetic organic azo dye widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. The current study aimed to evaluate the possible adverse effect of this coloring food additive on renal and hepatic structures and functions. Also, the genotoxic potential of tartrazine on white blood cells was investigated using comet assay. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were grouped into two groups of 10 each, control- and tartrazine-treated groups.
Tartrazine provides a lemon-yellow color when used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. For food, it is used to color confections, cereals, snack foods, beverages, condiments, baked goods, powdered mixes, gelatine products, icings, jellies, spices, dressings, sauces, and yogurt.
