Additive of the Day: Unveiling Quinoline Yellow（INS 104）- The Secret Behind the Bright Colors in Your Food
Have you ever wondered where the vibrant colors in a bright lemon-flavored candy or a glowing green soda come from?
The answer may lie in a food additive called Quinoline Yellow. Known by the INS number 104 and also referred to as CI Food Yellow 13, this is a synthetic food coloring. This article will help you understand everything you need to know about this intriguing additive.
What is Quinoline Yellow Used For?
Quinoline Yellow is a synthetic dye widely used in the food industry to give foods a bright yellow or yellow-green color. For example:
- In candies, jellies, and beverages, Quinoline Yellow adds an eye-catching, vibrant color.
- It’s also commonly used as a coloring agent in medicines (like syrups and pills) and cosmetics.
Why Do We Use Quinoline Yellow?
The main purpose of food coloring is to make food look more appealing. For processed foods, Quinoline Yellow not only helps restore the color lost during manufacturing but also provides a stable, long-lasting color. For instance:
- Beverages: A lemon soda without a bright yellow color might not feel as “lemony.”
- Candies: Bright colors are often associated with sweet, delicious flavors.
Imagine how dull many foods would look without these bright colors.
Natural vs. Synthetic: What Makes Quinoline Yellow Unique?
Unlike natural colorings like turmeric (from plants) or saffron (from flowers), Quinoline Yellow is a synthetic substance made in laboratories. This gives it advantages in terms of color stability and cost.
Natural Colorings: These can be healthy, but they might fade over time, or be expensive due to the scarcity of their natural sources.
Synthetic Colorings: Quinoline Yellow remains vibrant for a long time and is less costly.
For example, a soup colored with INS 100 turmeric may darken or fade over time, but drinks and candies colored with Quinoline Yellow can stay bright for months.
The History of Quinoline Yellow
As the food industry grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, synthetic colorings became more popular. Quinoline Yellow was developed to replace expensive and unstable natural colorings like saffron.
Before Quinoline Yellow, bright yellow colors were usually achieved using saffron—a natural, but costly and rare dye.
How Safe Is Quinoline Yellow?
The safety of additives like INS 104 (Quinoline Yellow) varies greatly across countries. These differences are often due to varying approaches in safety evaluations, scientific studies, and public health priorities. Let’s take a look at how Quinoline Yellow is regulated in different parts of the world and what the research says.
Regulatory Status and Approvals
🇪🇺 European Union (EU): Approved with Limits
Quinoline Yellow is permitted for use in the EU, but only under strict limits. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–10 mg per kg of body weight. This means consumers must consume it within this safe limit based on their weight.
Additionally, food producers must clearly list Quinoline Yellow in the ingredients if it’s used in the product.
🇺🇸 United States (US): Not Approved for Food
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Quinoline Yellow for use in food. This is because other colorings, such as Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), are considered safer and more thoroughly studied.
🇮🇳 India: Widely Used
In India, Quinoline Yellow is widely used in many foods, especially candies, desserts, and drinks. The regulators in India consider it safe when used in small amounts and appreciate it for its low cost and vibrant color.
🇦🇺 🇳🇿Australia and New Zealand: Allowed with Restrictions
In these countries, Quinoline Yellow is allowed but must comply with regulations set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), ensuring it is used within safe limits.
🇯🇵 Japan: Not Approved
Japan has taken a more cautious stance and does not allow Quinoline Yellow in food products. This approach follows Japan’s precautionary principle, which aims to reduce exposure to potentially harmful synthetic substances.
Scientific Research and Concerns
Different countries’ positions on Quinoline Yellow are influenced by various scientific studies and their interpretations. Here are some key points:
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Possible Link to Hyperactivity in Children (“Southampton Study”)
A 2007 study by the University of Southampton drew attention to the possible link between artificial colorings (including Quinoline Yellow) and hyperactivity in children. Although Quinoline Yellow wasn’t the main focus of the study, the findings prompted the EU to require warning labels on foods containing certain artificial colorings: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” -
Allergic Reactions
Some studies suggest that Quinoline Yellow may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, like rashes or hives. While these cases are rare, they have led to stricter regulations in countries like the US and Japan.
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Animal Studies and Long-term Effects
Animal studies on Quinoline Yellow have shown mixed results. While short-term toxicity is low, some studies suggest that long-term use and high doses may affect the liver and kidneys. Regulatory agencies like EFSA consider these results when setting ADI levels. -
Lack of Long-term Human Studies
Critics argue that there is insufficient research on the long-term effects of Quinoline Yellow on humans. As a result, countries with higher safety standards may take a more cautious approach.
Cultural and Economic Factors
Cultural preferences and economic considerations also play a significant role in shaping regulations:
- Consumer Preferences: In countries like the US and Japan, consumers prefer foods that are labeled as “natural” or “clean,” which encourages manufacturers to avoid synthetic dyes.
- Economic Factors: In cost-conscious countries like India, synthetic colorants like Quinoline Yellow are popular because they are inexpensive and stable.
How to Spot Quinoline Yellow
Want to know if a food contains Quinoline Yellow? Check the label for these names:
INS 104
Quinoline Yellow
CI Food Yellow 13
Next time you sip on a glowing green soda, take a look at the ingredient list—you may spot one of these names.
Should You Avoid Quinoline Yellow?
Overall, Quinoline Yellow is a safe and widely used food additive. Consuming it in moderation is unlikely to have any significant health impact. However, if you prefer to avoid artificial additives, there are natural alternatives such as turmeric or carrot extract.
For the General Consumer: Quinoline Yellow is safe in regulated foods, and occasional consumption is not a concern.
For Sensitive Individuals: If you are sensitive to food colorings, it’s best to choose foods that are minimally processed or labeled “free from artificial colorings.”