⚠️ Safety Verdict: Consider Avoiding (Especially Children & Asthmatics)
E104 (Quinoline Yellow) is approved but controversial. Studies link it to hyperactivity in children and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. UK products containing E104 must carry a warning: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". Banned in the US, Australia, Norway, and Japan.
🚨 Banned in US, Australia, Norway & Japan
E104 is prohibited in:
- United States – FDA has never approved it
- Australia
- Norway
- Japan
Concerns include hyperactivity, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.
What is E104 (Quinoline Yellow)?
E104 is Quinoline Yellow, a synthetic yellow dye made from coal tar (petroleum derivative).
Also known as:
- Quinoline Yellow WS
- Food Yellow 13
- C.I. Food Yellow 13
- China Yellow
Why it's used:
- Greenish-yellow colour in drinks and sweets
- Stable in acidic conditions – ideal for lemon/lime flavoured products
- Cheap synthetic alternative to natural yellow dyes
Where is E104 Found?
Drinks:
- Lemon and lime soft drinks
- Flavoured cordials and squash
- Some energy drinks
Sweets & Desserts:
- Lemon sweets
- Sherbet
- Ice lollies
Other Foods:
- Smoked haddock (traditional yellow colouring)
- Scotch eggs
- Some pickles
- Packet soups
Non-Food Uses:
- Medicines (tablets and syrups)
- Cosmetics
Health Concerns
1. Hyperactivity in Children (Southampton Study)
E104 was one of six dyes tested in the 2007 Southampton Study, which found:
- Increased hyperactivity in children aged 3 and 8-9
- Reduced attention span
- Effects seen in general population, not just ADHD children
- Combined effect with preservative E211 (sodium benzoate)
Result: UK and EU now require warning labels on products containing E104.
2. Asthma Attacks
E104 is particularly concerning for people with asthma:
- May trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals
- Cross-reactivity with aspirin intolerance
- Worsens respiratory symptoms in some people
Why? E104 contains quinoline derivatives which can trigger inflammatory responses in sensitive airways.
3. Allergic Reactions
Common allergic reactions to E104 include:
- Skin rashes and hives (urticaria)
- Itching and swelling
- Rhinitis (runny nose)
- Eczema flare-ups
Cross-reactivity: People allergic to aspirin or other azo dyes may also react to E104.
4. Possible Carcinogenicity (Animal Studies)
- Some animal studies showed potential tumour formation at very high doses
- Human evidence: No clear cancer link in humans at normal consumption levels
- EU agencies consider it safe at approved levels, but maintain ADI limits
Why is E104 Banned in the US & Australia?
The FDA and FSANZ (Australia/New Zealand) never approved E104, citing:
- Insufficient safety data
- Concerns about asthma triggers
- Potential allergenic effects
- Availability of safer alternatives (like natural turmeric E100)
UK Warning Label Requirement
Since 2010, UK products containing E104 must display:
"May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
This warning applies to six synthetic dyes: E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, E129.
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with ADI of 0.5mg per kg body weight (lower than most dyes). Warning label required.
US: Banned – never approved by FDA
Australia/New Zealand: Banned
Norway & Japan: Banned
Who Should Avoid E104?
❌ Must Avoid:
- People with asthma – may trigger attacks
- Children with ADHD – may worsen hyperactivity
- People with aspirin allergy or intolerance
- Known allergy to synthetic dyes
- Chronic urticaria sufferers – may worsen hives
⚠️ Consider Limiting:
- All children – precautionary approach based on Southampton Study
- People with eczema – may trigger flare-ups
- Anyone avoiding synthetic additives
Natural Alternatives
Many brands now use safer yellow colourings:
- Turmeric/Curcumin (E100) – natural yellow from turmeric root (completely safe)
- Beta-carotene (E160a) – from carrots (natural, safe)
- Riboflavin (E101) – vitamin B2 (nutritious and safe)
The Bottom Line
- ❌ Banned in US, Australia, Norway, Japan
- ⚠️ UK warning label required – may affect children's behaviour
- ⚠️ Asthma trigger – particularly dangerous for asthmatics
- ⚠️ Hyperactivity concerns – Southampton Study evidence
- ⚠️ Allergic reactions common – hives, itching, respiratory issues
- ⚠️ Lower ADI than most dyes – suggests greater concern
- ⚠️ Cross-reactivity with aspirin
Our recommendation: Avoid E104, especially for children and people with asthma. The widespread international bans and low ADI suggest legitimate safety concerns. Choose products with natural yellow colourings (turmeric, beta-carotene) instead.
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Last updated: February 2026