Safety and efficacy of tartrazine (E 102) for cats and dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of tartrazine (E 102) for cats and dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents. Tartrazine (E 102), an authorised food colourant, is intended to be used as a feed additive for cats, dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents. The following tartrazine concentrations in complete feed were considered safe for cats: 433 mg/kg; for dogs: 520 mg/kg; for ornamental birds: 63 mg/kg; for ornamental fish: 1,924 mg/kg; and for small rodents: 2,000 mg/kg. Inhalation exposure of tartrazine is regarded as hazardous. Tartrazine is considered as a skin sensitiser. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the irritancy potential of tartrazine to skin or eyes. Tartrazine is effective in adding colour to feedingstuffs.