Quinoline Yellow
The short version
A synthetic yellow-green dye — one of the Southampton six implicated in childhood hyperactivity.
A synthetic yellow dye. It's approved but purely cosmetic, and it belongs to the group of colours the EU makes carry a hyperactivity warning label. Some countries have restricted it, which is why we flag it.
Where it comes from
A synthetic dye derived from the sulfonation of 2-(2-quinolyl)indane-1,3-dione. Developed in the late 19th century for textile dyeing and later adapted to food, drug, and cosmetic use. The food-grade material is a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-sulfonated isomers.
How it's used
Used as a greenish-yellow colorant in smoked haddock, sweets, soft drinks, ices, fish-finger coatings, and some pharmaceuticals. Often blended with tartrazine (E102) for stronger pure-yellow tones, or with brilliant blue (E133) for green shades.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–0.5 mg/kg body weight (EFSA 2009 re-evaluation, lowered from 10). One of the Southampton six dyes whose 2007 trial linked synthetic-dye-and-benzoate mixtures to hyperactivity in children. EU products containing it must carry a mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". Not approved as a food colorant in the US, Canada, Japan, or Australia.
Physical & chemical properties
Yellow to orange-yellow powder, highly water-soluble. Stable to light and heat in typical food matrices. Acid-stable; mildly alkaline-shift in color.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU with a mandatory hyperactivity warning. Not approved for food use in the US, Canada, Australia, or Japan (D&C Yellow 10 is permitted only in non-ingested cosmetics and drugs in the US).
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.