E105 – Fast Yellow AB

Description

Synthetic azo dye derived from coal tar; produced by diazotization of 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid and coupling with 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid

Risks

Notes

E105, known as Fast Yellow AB, is a bright yellow synthetic dye that was originally developed from coal tar derivatives. Coal tar is a thick, dark substance that's a byproduct of processing coal, and through various chemical processes, different colored compounds can be extracted and modified to create food dyes. This particular dye belongs to a family called 'azo dyes' because of its specific molecular structure. This additive was primarily used as a food coloring agent to give products an intense yellow color. It was most commonly found in processed foods like candies, desserts, beverages, and other products where a vibrant yellow appearance was desired. However, E105 has been banned for use in food in the European Union, United States, and many other countries due to safety concerns. Studies suggested potential health risks, which led to its removal from the approved additives list. If you're reading older food labels or products from regions with different regulations, you might still encounter this code, but it's no longer permitted in most modern food systems.