Abstract The simultaneous detection of tartrazine (TZ) and sunset yellow (SY) using a carbon paste‐decorated neodymium (III) oxide electrode (Nd Ox /CPE) is reported for the first time in this work. The surface properties of the Nd Ox /CPE were studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The anodic peak currents for TZ and SY increased by more than 60 %, and the anodic peak potentials for TZ and SY were observed at potential values less positive than those of the carbon paste without Nd OX . Under the optimal parameters (pH 3.0; accumulation time t ACC 30 s; and accumulation potential E ACC 0.10 V), the detection limits for TZ and SY observation were 0.02 μmol L −1 (10.6 μg L −1 ) and 0.09 μmol L −1 (40.6 μg L −1 ), respectively. The new sensor was sensitive, stable, easily manufactured, and very convenient for the detection of TZ and SY in food samples and pharmaceutical materials and provided consistent results.