E104 · Quinoline Yellow
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E104?
Quinoline Yellow (CI 47005) is a synthetic dye used to add a greenish-yellow colour to foods, beverages, cosmetics, and medicines. It is approved with maximum use levels and requires a hyperactivity warning label in the EU/UK and Australia/New Zealand, but it is not permitted in foods in the US or Canada. EFSA has lowered its acceptable daily intake, and high consumers may approach that limit.
Also appears on labels as: Quinoline Yellow, Quinoline Yellow WS, Quinoline Yellow E104, E104, E 104, E-104, INS 104, Synthetic Quinoline Yellow, Food grade Quinoline Yellow, Quinoline Yellow powder, Quinoline Yellow solution, Additivo alimentare Quinoline Yellow.
What the evidence says
- Possible hyperactivity effects in some children; EU requires a warning label for certain artificial colours including E104.
- ADI established (lowered by EFSA); exposure can exceed ADI for high consumers.
Research behind the verdict
- Refined Exposure Assessment of Quinoline Yellow (E104) and Safety Evaluation — EFSA Journal, 2025-08-26 13:19:07+00 (2015). EFSA’s refined exposure assessment of Quinoline Yellow (E104) considered maximum permitted levels in foods. Earlier intake estimates for children could exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day; the refined assessment using updated usage data concluded that mean and high-level dietary exposures for all population groups were below the ADI【446209864254532†L106-L129】. EFSA subsequently lowered the ADI and noted that some children consuming high amounts might exceed it【683912808791165†L173-L204】. Although no direct evidence linked Quinoline Yellow to behavioural effects, exposures should be minimized.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E104 safe?
Our overall verdict for E104 (Quinoline Yellow) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E104 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Quinoline Yellow — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E104 and why is it used?
Quinoline Yellow (CI 47005) is a synthetic dye used to add a greenish-yellow colour to foods, beverages, cosmetics, and medicines. It is approved with maximum use levels and requires a hyperactivity warning label in the EU/UK and Australia/New Zealand, but it is not permitted in foods in the US or Canada. EFSA has lowered its acceptable daily intake, and high consumers may approach that limit.
Does E104 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Quinoline Yellow.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.