E104 Quinoline yellow

E104ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Quinoline yellow (E104) is a synthetic greenish-yellow dye from the Southampton study. EU labels must warn about effects on children's attention, and it isn't allowed in US or Canadian food.

35/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE104

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit0.5 mg/kg

Also calledQuinoline yellow, Quinoline yellow WS

Find treats without quinoline yellow

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free candy

Colored with fruit, vegetable and spice extracts instead.

Shop dye-free candy Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Plant-based food coloring set

Yellow from turmeric, plus colors from beets and spirulina.

Shop natural food coloring Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Ground turmeric

A pinch gives frosting and rice a natural golden yellow.

Shop turmeric Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive

🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Allowed in the EU, but foods must carry a warning that it may affect children's activity and attention. EFSA cut its daily limit from 10 to 0.5 mg per kg of body weight in 2009. Not allowed in food in the US, where it's only approved for drugs and cosmetics, or in Canada.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

35 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 0.5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 10 mg a day.

What is it?

Quinoline yellow is a bright lemon-yellow dye. In the EU it's used in candy, soft drinks and smoked fish, often mixed with blue to make green. In North America it's mostly found in medicines and cosmetics.

Where it comes from: A synthetic dye made from coal tar and petroleum-based chemicals.

Why it’s in food

Colors candy and desserts yellow
Mixes with blue dyes to make green
Colors soft drinks and ices
Colors smoked fish in some countries

Often found in

Candy and chewing gumSoft drinksIce pops and dessertsSmoked haddockMedicine coatingsImported sweets

Also listed as: Quinoline yellow, Quinoline yellow WS, D&C Yellow 10, D&C Yellow No. 10, Food Yellow 13, CI 47005

Health & gut impact

Hyperactivity in childrenUnder study

It was one of six dyes in the Southampton study, which linked dye mixes to more hyperactive behavior in children.

McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)

Lower daily limitUnder study

EFSA cut the daily limit twentyfold after reviewing new studies, and some children may go over it.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2009)

What can I use instead?

Curcumin

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Candy, drinks and desserts

Safflower yellow

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and ices

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Annatto E160bAnnatto (E160b) is a natural orange color from achiote seeds. It's what makes cheddar orange. It's safe and vegan, though it's one of the few natural colors that can trigger allergies.Generally safe Anthocyanins E163Anthocyanins (E163) are the natural red, purple and blue pigments of grapes, berries and purple carrots. They're one of the safest food colors and fit every diet we check.Generally safe Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Quinoline yellow safe?

Best to avoid (35/100). Allowed in the EU, but foods must carry a warning that it may affect children's activity and attention. EFSA cut its daily limit from 10 to 0.5 mg per kg of body weight in 2009. Not allowed in food in the US, where it's only approved for drugs and cosmetics, or in Canada.

Is Quinoline yellow vegan?

Yes.

Is Quinoline yellow gluten-free?

Yes.

Is quinoline yellow the same as Yellow 5?

No. Yellow 5 (tartrazine, E102) is a different dye. Both carry the EU warning, but only Yellow 5 is allowed in US food.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E104
McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2009)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 104 · CAS 8004-92-0