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How to Follow a Tartrazine-Free Diet
FD&C Yellow Number 5 Avoidance

By Daniel More, MD, About.com

Updated: April 28, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Apr 28 2007
Also known as FD&C Yellow #5, tartrazine has been suspected as the cause of many reactions, including urticaria/angioedema, asthma, atopic dermatitis and other diseases. Recent studies have disproven the theory that aspirin-sensitive asthmatics are especially sensitive to tartrazine.

The following is a list of foods containing tartrazine:

  • Certain breakfast cereals
  • Aproten (low protein pasta products)
  • Refrigerated rolls and quick breads
  • Cake mixes
  • Commercial pies
  • Commercial gingerbread
  • Chocolate chips
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Commercial frostings
  • Ready-to-eat canned puddings
  • Certain instant and regular puddings
  • Certain ice creams and sherbets
  • Certain candy coatings
  • Hard candies
  • Colored marshmallows
  • Flavored carbonated beverages
  • Flavored drink mixes

Learn more about adverse reactions to food additives.

Sources:

    1. Wilson BG, Bahna SL. Adverse Reactions of Food Additives. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005; 95:499-507.
    2. Bush RK, Taylor SL, Hefle SL. Adverse Reactions to Food and Drug Additives. In: Adkinson NF, Yunginger JW, Busse WW, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 6th edition. Philadelphia: Mosby Publishing; 2003:1645-1663.
    3. Lakness J. Allergy Elimination Diets. In: Lawlor GJ, Fischer TJ, Adelman DC, eds. Manual of Allergy and Immunology. 3rd ed. Boston: Little, Brown and Co;1995:559-60.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.

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