Alternate Names

Quinoline Yellow WS, Food Yellow 13

Description

This dye is coal tar derived to produce a dull yellow to greenish yellow color.

Additional Information

While banned in the US, this additive is widely used in Europe. Due to several studies on children and hyperactivity, the European Union requires food containing this colorant to have a label which states: "may have an adverse effect on activity in children" (see In the News section below).

Found In

soft drinks, candy, sports drinks, beverages, snack foods

Possible Health Effects

Hyperactivity and possibly decreased levels of intelligence in children. Other effects include allergic reactions: hives, skin rash, asthma.

Allergy Information

May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals

In The News

In December 2008, the European Union took action to require special labeling on foods containing any of 6 different artificial food colorings. The warning label states that the food "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" and the mandate went into effect on July 20, 2010.

Online Resources/Related

• Food Standards Agency, Agency Revises Advice on Certain Artificial Colours, September 11, 2007, Food Standards Agency (an independent government department in the UK)
• European Food Safety Authority, Statement on Food Additives and Developmental Neurotoxicity, January 2006, European Food Safety Authority, Committee on Toxicity
• Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters, The evaluation of the genotoxicity of two commonly used food colors: Quinoline Yellow (E 104) and Brilliant Black BN (E 151), 2004, Macioszek VK, Kononowicz AK.

Print Resources

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives, 7th Edition: Descriptions in Plain English of More Than 12,000 Ingredients Both Harmful and Desirable Found in Foods. Three Rivers Press, 2009
• Statham, Bill. Eat Safe: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum. Running Press, 2008

Copyright August 8, 2010 Be Food Smart