What is E104?
E104 is Quinoline Yellow — a synthetic quinoline dye, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
What is E104 (Quinoline Yellow)?
E104 is the E-number for quinoline yellow, one of the food colourings group of food additives (E100–E199). Additives in this group add or restore colour to foods and drinks. A synthetic quinoline dye. Like every E-number, E104 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E104 in detail below.
Where is E104 found?
E104 is typically used in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E104) or by its full name, quinoline yellow. Common foods that may contain E104 include:
- Sweets
- Soft drinks
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Sauces and snacks
Full guide: foods containing E104 and how to spot it on labels →
E104 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Quinoline Yellow safe?
Is E104 safe?
E104 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. Quinoline Yellow is one of the 'Southampton Six' colours linked to hyperactivity in some children: in the EU and UK, foods containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E104 is not considered harmful.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — acceptable daily intake (ADI) or conditions of use apply
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E104 vegan?
E104 is vegan. A synthetic quinoline dye, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E104 →Is E104 halal?
E104 is halal. A synthetic quinoline dye, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E104 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E104 in food?
E104 is Quinoline Yellow — a synthetic quinoline dye, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
Is E104 safe to eat?
E104 is approved at regulated levels in the EU, UK and US, but some concerns exist — see the safety section above. Most people can consume it in normal amounts without harm.
Is E104 vegan?
E104 is vegan. A synthetic quinoline dye, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E104 halal?
E104 is halal. A synthetic quinoline dye, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).