Additive guide
E104 Quinoline Yellowwhat it means on a food label
One of the Southampton six hyperactivity colours. Not permitted in food in the US. Berry Pure flags additives like this during a scan so you can decide faster at the shelf.
Berry Pure verdict
Best avoided
E104 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E104 or Quinoline Yellow on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
Usually found in
Sweets, smoked fish, drinks
If these are regular buys in your kitchen, scan a few brands side by side. Additive use can vary a lot between similar products.
Additive family
Colour
Dyes and pigments that change how food looks.
How to spot it on a label
Manufacturers may use the E-number code, the full additive name, or a common alternative name. These are the label terms to check:
- E104
- Quinoline Yellow
The evidence record
In its 2009 re-evaluation EFSA cut the ADI for quinoline yellow from 10 to 0.5 mg per kg of body weight per day, mainly on the basis of a rat reproduction and development study, and noted that estimated intakes could exceed even the lower figure at maximum use levels. Quinoline yellow was also one of the six colours in the 2007 Southampton study linked to small increases in children's hyperactivity. EFSA concluded the behavioural evidence was limited and did not establish causation for the individual dye.
Quinoline yellow produces a greenish-yellow shade used in some soft drinks, sweets, and desserts sold in Europe, with children again a notable exposure group. Because the EU flagged it among the Southampton six, products must carry the activity-and-attention warning, which pushed many manufacturers to reformulate. The dye has never been cleared for food in the US, so American shoppers mainly encounter it in medicines and cosmetics, where it is listed as D&C Yellow No. 10.
Acceptable daily intake
0.5 mg per kg of body weight per day (EFSA, 2009), lowered from the previous 10 mg per kg of body weight per day
Regulatory status
Permitted in the EU under Regulation EC 1333/2008 and one of the Southampton six, so it carries the 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' warning. Not approved for food use in the United States, where it is only allowed in drugs and cosmetics as D&C Yellow No. 10.
Related additives
Same family, similar label context, or the same Berry Pure verdict.
Frequently askedquestions
Everything you need to know about scanning your food with Berry Pure.
What is E104 Quinoline Yellow?
E104 is Quinoline Yellow, a colour used in foods such as sweets, smoked fish, drinks. One of the Southampton six hyperactivity colours. Not permitted in food in the US.
Is E104 bad for you?
E104 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E104 or Quinoline Yellow on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
How do I spot E104 on a label?
Look for these label names: E104, Quinoline Yellow. Some products spell out the additive name instead of using the E-number code.
Can Berry Pure flag E104?
Yes. Berry Pure scans ingredient labels with your camera and flags additives like E104 so you do not have to memorize code numbers while shopping.
Sources
The claims on this page are based on these publications.
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