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The colours to know
Six synthetic colours are often called the "Southampton Six", after the study that put them in the spotlight. All six are approved for use in Australia, and all six are rated as Avoid in the App.
|
Code |
Name |
Colour |
|
Commonly found in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
102 |
Tartrazine |
Lemon yellow |
|
Lollies, soft drinks, cordials, snack foods |
|
104 |
Quinoline Yellow |
Green-yellow |
|
Lollies, soft drinks, flavoured milks, jellies |
|
110 |
Sunset Yellow |
Orange |
|
Lollies, soft drinks, desserts, instant noodles |
|
122 |
Carmoisine |
Raspberry red |
|
Lollies, jellies, jams, yoghurts |
|
124 |
Ponceau 4R |
Red |
|
Lollies, soft drinks, chewing gum, desserts |
|
129 |
Allura Red |
Dark red |
|
Lollies, fairy floss, soft drinks, flavoured milks |
How they're made
All six are synthetic dyes made from petroleum-derived chemicals. They're popular with manufacturers because they're cheap, stable when heated, and give a much brighter colour than most plant-based options. They are added to food just to make it look a certain way.
What the research says
In 2007, researchers at the University of Southampton, commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency, ran a trial. They found that drinks containing mixtures of these colours, along with the preservative sodium benzoate (211), were linked to increased hyperactivity in some children.
The study tested mixtures, not single colours, so it couldn't say which ingredient was responsible.
Why the label looks different overseas
Europe: Since 20 July 2010, foods and drinks sold in the EU that contain any of the six colours must carry a warning that the colour may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Many manufacturers reformulated with plant-based colours rather than print that warning.
Australia: Food Standards Australia New Zealand reviewed the Southampton study and found it didn't justify lowering the safety limits. Australian labels must list the colour by name or code number, but there's no warning statement.
United States: In April 2025, the FDA announced it would work with the food industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes. That includes Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, the US names for Allura Red (129), Tartrazine (102) and Sunset Yellow (110). The plan relies on industry cooperation rather than a formal ban.
We always find it interested when different countries have looked at the same research and made different calls. Based on the research conducted by qualified professionals, our view is simple - these colours do nothing for nutrition, plant-based alternatives exist, so they're an easy one to swap out where you can.
How to spot them on a label
Turn the pack over and scan the ingredients list for:
- The numbers 102, 104, 110, 122, 124 or 129, sometimes written with brackets, such as "colour (129)"
- The names Tartrazine, Quinoline Yellow, Sunset Yellow, Carmoisine, Ponceau 4R or Allura Red
While you're there, watch for Brilliant Blue (133) and Brown HT (155). They aren't part of the Southampton Six, but they're also synthetic and our team rates them as Avoid.
Halloween without the stress
Want options made without artificial food colour? See some of our top picks here.
Check any number in seconds
The Supermarket Swap app has 300+ additives approved in Australia, each researched by our expert team and rated Safe, Caution or Avoid. Search by number or name and see where it comes from, how it's made and the possible side effects.
