E104

E104, also known as Quinoline Yellow, is a yellow-orange synthetic food colorant designated as E number 104 in the European Union. It is CI 47005 and is water soluble, enabling its use in beverages, confections, bakery fillings, sauces, dairy products, and desserts to impart bright yellow to orange hues.

Manufacture and properties: E104 is produced through azo dye chemistry; as a synthetic colorant it is designed for stability under heat and varying pH. It is typically used in small amounts due to regulatory limits.

Uses: It is widely used in confectionery, soft drinks, dairy desserts, canned fruit products, and ready meals where a vivid yellow coloration is desired.

Regulatory status: In the EU, E104 is approved as a food additive under regulation 1333/2008 (subject to labeling and usage limits). In the United States, Quinoline Yellow is not approved by the FDA for use in foods, so products sold in the U.S. generally do not contain it. Other regions regulate E104 differently, with some prohibitions or restrictions in specific product categories.

Safety: Regulatory bodies have evaluated E104 for safety. Some individuals may exhibit hypersensitivity to synthetic colorants, and a minority may experience adverse reactions. Regulatory agencies establish allowable daily intakes and usage limits to minimize risk. Ongoing reviews assess potential health impacts of food colorants, including cumulative exposure and behavioral effects in certain sensitive groups.