Food Court

Synthetic dye

Quinoline Yellow (E104)

Also known as: E104, E 104, Quinoline Yellow WS, C.I. Food Yellow 13, C.I. 47005, D&C Yellow No. 10, Japan Yellow 203, CAS 8004-92-0

Quinoline Yellow (E104) is a synthetic water-soluble greenish-yellow dye used to colour foods and beverages in some jurisdictions. It is one of the six "Southampton" colours associated with effects on activity and attention in children. It is permitted as a food colour in the EU (with mandatory warning labelling) but is not an approved colour additive for food in the United States, where the related substance is permitted only as D&C Yellow No. 10 in drugs and cosmetics.

The record

2 findings
Exhibit 01
Concern

Since 20th July 2010, food and drink containing sunset yellow (E 110), quinoline yellow (E 104), carmoisine (E 122), allura red (E 129), tartrazine (E 102) or ponceau 4R (E 124) is required to display the warning message: 'Name or E number of the colour(s) (e.g. Sunset Yellow): may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'

EU/Ireland law requires foods containing quinoline yellow (E104) and five other 'Southampton' colours to carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.

Exhibit 02
ContextInformational

D&C Yellow No. 10 is permanently listed, certification required, with use restrictions limiting it to drugs (limited to 10 mg/daily dose) and cosmetics (GMP, except lip cosmetics limited to 1% by weight); it is not listed for use in food.

In the US, the FDA permits Quinoline Yellow only as D&C Yellow No. 10 in externally/internally applied drugs and cosmetics; it is not an approved colour additive for food.

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