LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Quinoline Yellow on Food Labels in US

Quinoline Yellow is permitted with restrictions and maximum levels in United States: declare as "D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare)" in the ingredient list.

Check My Label for US CompliancePaste Ingredients List
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 States, Quinoline Yellow is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food coloring. Quinoline yellow is approved for use in externally applied drugs and cosmetics as D&C Yellow No. 10, but NOT currently approved for use in food in the US. Check if product intended for US market contains this color.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare)" in the ingredient list
  • 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
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare)"
  • 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: D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare)"
"D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (CI Food Yellow 13, D&C Yellow No. 10) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Quinoline Yellow" without functional class or E-number
"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 proper functional class labeling under US rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
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 US?

Declare as "D&C Yellow No. 10 (when used in food — rare)" in the ingredient list. Quinoline yellow is approved for use in externally applied drugs and cosmetics as D&C Yellow No. 10, but NOT currently approved for use in food in the US. Check if product intended for US market contains this color.

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 US 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.

Ensure US Compliance

Get your label checked against all US regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
US Compliance Hub

Explore all US labeling requirements in one place.

View US Hub

Ready to Ensure Full US Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FDCA & FSMA requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide