Is Quinoline Yellow (E104) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E104

Also known as: CI 47005, Food Yellow 13, D&C Yellow 10

Source

A synthetic coal tar dye produced entirely from petrochemicals. No animal products are involved.

Commonly found in

Smoked haddock (traditionally), some scotch eggs, lime-flavoured drinks, some sweets, medications, cosmetics.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed from a vegan standpoint — E104 is vegan. Natural alternatives include curcumin (E100) or various plant extracts.

Notes

One of the EU 'Southampton Six' dyes — one of six synthetic colorants that must carry the EU mandatory warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' (Regulation EC 1333/2008, following the McCann et al., The Lancet, 2007 study). Approved in the EU but banned in the USA, Australia, Japan, and Norway. Despite its vegan status, it remains one of the more controversially regulated synthetic dyes globally.