E102 is tartrazine, a synthetic azo dye giving a lemon-yellow colour to soft drinks, confectionery, custards, and snack foods. SANHA and MUIS both classify E102 as halal, describing it as a synthetic yellow colouring with no animal source. JAKIM Handbook 2010 lists it as Mushbooh only in liquid form, where the carrier solvent must also be halal — a product-level matter, not a property of the colour. As a synthetic dye, E102 is halal.

Food-safety note

Permitted as a food colour in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels. JECFA (2016) set an Acceptable Daily Intake of 7.5 mg/kg and concluded dietary exposure does not present a health concern; FSANZ surveys found Australian intake well below that. Some sensitive people (e.g. with asthma or aspirin intolerance) may react, and the EU requires an advisory label about possible effects on children’s attention. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E102 halal?

Tartrazine (E102) is classified halal. JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies it as doubtful; SANHA and MUIS classify it as halal.

What is E102 made from?

Tartrazine (E102) is produced synthetically. It is commonly found in Soft drinks, candy, jelly, and custards.

What is a halal alternative to E102?

Halal-considered alternatives include riboflavin (E101).

Try instead

—riboflavin (E101)

Found in

Soft drinkscandyjellycustardsinstant puddingssnack foodsmustard

Also known as

Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow 5, C.I. 19140, C.I. Food Yellow 4, C.I. acid yellow 23, Hydrazine yellow.