Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Quinoline Yellow on Food Labels in EU

Quinoline Yellow is permitted but requires specific warning statements in European Union: declare as "quinoline yellow (E104)" with the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

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What the Rule Is

Yellow to greenish-yellow synthetic food dye used in smoked fish products, confectionery, and beverages. In European Union, Quinoline Yellow is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food coloring. One of the six Southampton-study azo dyes requiring the children activity warning. Declared as "colour (E104)" with mandatory warning text when present.

What You Must Include

Declare as "quinoline yellow (E104)" in the ingredient list
Include the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E104
Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources

Common Violations

Missing the mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Quinoline Yellow
Omitting the E-number E104 where required
Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Quinoline Yellow content

Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: quinoline yellow (E104)" + warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"

"quinoline yellow (E104)" in ingredient list

Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... quinoline yellow (E104) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (CI Food Yellow 13, D&C Yellow No. 10) without the approved declaration name

Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration

"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required

How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Quinoline Yellow and all its common names (E104, CI Food Yellow 13, D&C Yellow No. 10) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and mandatory warning statements under EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Quinoline Yellow be declared on food labels in EU?

Declare as "quinoline yellow (E104)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". One of the six Southampton-study azo dyes requiring the children activity warning. Declared as "colour (E104)" with mandatory warning text when present.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Quinoline Yellow?

Quinoline Yellow may appear under the following names: E104, CI Food Yellow 13, D&C Yellow No. 10. Common hidden sources include: Smoked haddock, Some confectionery, Marzipan, Hair dye (cosmetics), Some soft drinks.

Is Quinoline Yellow banned or restricted in any market?

Restricted with maximum levels in: US. Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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