Quinoline yellow

Definition

Quinoline yellow is a synthetic quinophthalone dye used to provide green-yellow colour.

Health considerations

Quinoline yellow, when mixed with sodium benzoate (a likely mixture in soft drinks), has been associated with increased hyperactivity in children aged 8 to 9. There are reports of rashes and other allergic reactions following intake in humans. Animal studies have shown some effects on weight during pregnancy and white blood cell count at extremely high intake. The aluminium within the dye may also increase aluminium intake.

Keep in mind

Quinoline yellow is banned within the US, Australia, and Norway. The UK agreed to eliminate quinoline yellow’s use in food by 2009. The European Food and Safety Agency reduced its allowable intake 20-fold in 2009.

May be found in

Jellies, caramels, processed seafood, caviar, liquors, juice, soft drinks.

References

Contact Dermatitis
EFSA
Food Standards Agency
The British Journal of Dermatology
Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters

Alternative spellings and names

D&C Yellow 10, quinoline yellow WS, CI 47005, Food yellow 13, Quinidine yellow KT, japan yellow 203, lemon yellow ZN 3, E104