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Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Quinoline Yellow on Food Labels in UK

Quinoline Yellow is permitted but requires specific warning statements in United Kingdom: 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

Quinoline Yellow (E104) is a greenish-yellow synthetic dye used in the EU in sweets, drinks, and bath products. In United Kingdom, Quinoline Yellow is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food coloring. UK retains EU warning requirement. Declared with functional class and E-number.

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 UK rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is quinoline yellow (E104)?

Quinoline Yellow (E104) is a greenish-yellow synthetic dye used in the EU in sweets, drinks, and bath products. It commonly appears in: Smoked haddock, Some confectionery, Marzipan, Hair dye (cosmetics), Some soft drinks.

Is quinoline yellow bad for you?

Quinoline Yellow is not approved by the FDA for food use in the United States — the related D&C Yellow No. 10 is limited to drugs and cosmetics — making this a classic EU-to-US reformulation trap. In the EU it is permitted with a reduced ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2009) and carries the mandatory child activity warning.

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

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". UK retains EU warning requirement. Declared with functional class and E-number.

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 in UK or other markets?

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

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

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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