What is E104? Quinoline Yellow Explained
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E104 is Quinoline Yellow — a colour (synthetic dye) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
What is E104 (Quinoline Yellow)?
E104 is Quinoline Yellow, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A colour (synthetic dye) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E104 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E104 found?
E104 (Quinoline Yellow) is found in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing, jams and preserves, ready meals, desserts.
- sweets and confectionery
- soft drinks
- cake icing
- jams and preserves
- ready meals
- desserts
Is E104 safe?
E104 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E104 is one of the Southampton Six (or associated additives) — EFSA's 2012 opinion confirmed a link to hyperactivity in children when consumed in combination, and the EU requires foods containing it to carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. For most people consuming Quinoline Yellow in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Quinoline Yellow — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E104. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Cleaner alternatives to E104
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E104 FAQs
What is E104 in food?
E104 is Quinoline Yellow — a colour (synthetic dye) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
Is E104 safe to eat?
E104 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E104 is one of the Southampton Six (or associated additives) — EFSA's 2012 opinion confirmed a link to hyperactivity in children when
Is E104 vegan?
E104 (Quinoline Yellow) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic dye, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E104 halal?
E104 (Quinoline Yellow) is halal. It is derived from synthetic dye, which involves no haram sources.
Related Colours additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA