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.
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 or Japan. In Australia and New Zealand it is permitted as a colouring with maximum levels.
Sources
- EFSA: Refined exposure assessment for Quinoline Yellow (E 104), EFSA Journal 2015;13(3):4070 — European Food Safety Authority, 2015. EFSA 2009 re-evaluation ADI of 0.5 mg/kg bw/day
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text of 18 August 2026 (Annex V warning label) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2026. Mandatory EU warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Schedule 16, S16—4 Colourings permitted to a maximum level (compilation of 16 September 2025) — Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government (FSANZ), 2025. Quinoline yellow is permitted in Australia/New Zealand as a colouring with maximum levels
- FDA: Regulatory Status of Color Additives (D&C Yellow No. 10) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration. US: D&C Yellow No. 10 is listed for drugs, cosmetics and devices, not foods
Checked against these sources on .
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