How to Avoid Yellow Dye

Yellow food dye can trigger an allergic reaction.

Food dye allergies and sensitivities are responsible for physical reactions such as hives, asthma or an itchy rash. For those who wish to avoid yellow dye, it can be difficult to identify whether the dye is present. It may be listed as an ingredient with an unexpected name or not listed at all. Fortunately, with a little practice, identifying and avoiding yellow dye can be a snap.

Instructions

1. Read all food labels thoroughly. Search for yellow in the list of ingredients.

2. Repeat the search, looking for tartrazine (yellow #5) or annatto. Both are yellow dyes.

3. Look for incomplete lists of artificial colors. Food manufacturers and preparers are not obligated to identify ingredients in amounts under a certain threshold. However, these amounts may be enough to trigger reactions in allergic or sensitive individuals. To be safe, avoid any food with an incomplete list of added colors.

4. Avoid the food when in doubt. Red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, yellow-green, green and greenish-blue all may have yellow in them. Without a list of ingredients, assume die is present and avoid foods in those colors.

5. Read the product label on cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner and lotions before using them. Yellow #5 and yellow #6 are both approved for use in food, drugs and cosmetics in the U.S.

6. Check with a pharmacist about the ingredients in prescription and over the counter medications. Many honey-flavored cough syrups and lozenges are colored with at least one yellow dye.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the local health food store to find alternatives to prepared or packaged foods that usually contain yellow coloring. The bulk section for sweets and treats colored with vegetable dyes rather than traditional food coloring.

• Never eat baked goods, including crackers, cookies and breads without verifying the ingredient list. Always ask for a list of ingredients at the bakery.

• Avoid using someone else's cosmetics, including Halloween makeup or face paint. The products and/or their applicators may be contaminated by yellow coloring.

References

• Merck Manual: Food Allergy