Quinoline Yellow (E104)
Quinoline yellow is a synthetic yellow dye. EU foods that contain it must carry the warning about activity and attention in children.
What it is
It colours soft drinks, sweets, desserts and some smoked fish products. On labels it appears as quinoline yellow or E104. Cosmetics list it as CI 47005.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food | Skin (cosmetics) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Low | Low |
| Child | High | Low |
| Infant | High | Low |
| Dog | Low | No concern found |
| Cat | Low | No concern found |
For adults, the concern is possible dye intolerance. For children and infants the app uses the Southampton findings on activity and attention, where the evidence is limited. A reported contact allergy on skin explains its caution for cosmetic use.
Basis of the ratings: limited or mixed data, errs on safety.
Possible concerns: Allergenic, Hyperactivity in children.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (food): Dye intolerance in sensitive adults.
- Adult (skin), Child (skin), Infant (skin): Allergic contact reaction to Quinoline Yellow reported (case report, 1983).
- Child (food), Infant (food): Dye intolerance in sensitive individuals.
- Dog (food), Cat (food): No pet data; precautionary Low for dye hypersensitivity carried over from the human adult signal.
Rules and use
Authorised in the EU for food. Foods that contain it must carry the children's warning text (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex V). EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake to 0.5 mg per kg body weight per day.
Read the guide: Food colours and children
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 1169/2011, Annex II: substances causing allergies
- Reg. (EU) 2023/1545: labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetics
- EFSA 2008: evaluation of the Southampton study on additives and child behaviour
- EFSA 2009: re-evaluation of Quinoline Yellow (E 104)
- McCann et al. 2007 (Lancet): food additives and hyperactivity in children
- Contact allergy to D&C Yellow No. 11 and Quinoline Yellow (1983)
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.