Is Quinoline Yellow (E104) safe for babies and kids?
Elevated risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Quinoline Yellow (E104) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is quinoline yellow (e104)?
- CAS number
- 8004-92-4
- Molecular formula
- C18H9NNa2O8S2
- Molecular weight
- 477.4 g/mol
- SMILES
- C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)C(C2=O)C3=NC4=C(C=C(C=C4C=C3)S(=O)(=O)[O-])S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+].[Na+]
- PubChem CID
- 24671
Risk for babies
Elevated riskInfants are more vulnerable to Quinoline Yellow (E104) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Quinoline Yellow (E104), potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified Quinoline Yellow (E104).
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 2009 | Not specifically evaluated by IARC for carcinogenicity as a food dye — Quinoline Yellow (E104; CAS 8004-92-4; mixture of disodium and monosodium salts of 2-(1,3-dioxoindan-2-ylidene)quinoline sulfonates; quinophthalone food dye — NOT an azo dye) is a quinophthalone dye permitted in the EU but banned in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, and Norway; although the parent quinoline ring system is classified by IARC (quinoline itself: IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, Vol 82 2002), the sulfonated food dye Quinoline Yellow is a distinct compound with different physicochemical properties and has not been individually evaluated by IARC for carcinogenicity; Quinoline Yellow was included in Mix B of the Southampton 2007 hyperactivity study (McCann et al., Lancet) and contributed to statistically significant hyperactivity increases in 8-9-year-old children; EU Regulation 1333/2008 mandates a warning label ('may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children') on all products containing E104; EFSA ADI: 0.5 mg/kg/day (the lowest ADI among the Southampton-6 dyes, reflecting heightened regulatory concern) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter quinoline yellow (e104)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Quinoline Yellow (E104):
-
Safer process chemistry; Green chemistry alternatives; Exposure controls
Trade-offs: Requires R&D investment to redesign synthesis routes; may reduce yield or throughput initially; long-term benefits include reduced waste treatment costs, regulatory compliance, and worker safety; 12 Principles of Green Chemistry framework available.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is quinoline yellow (e104) safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Quinoline Yellow (E104) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain quinoline yellow (e104)?
Quinoline Yellow (E104) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to quinoline yellow (e104)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See Quinoline Yellow (E104) in the baby app
Look up products containing quinoline yellow (e104), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- Quinoline Yellow E104 CAS 8004-92-4 Quinophthalone Dye NOT Azo; CI Acid Yellow 3 CI Food Yellow 13; Quinaldine + Phthalic Anhydride Quinophthalone Base Sulfonation; EFSA 2009 Lowest ADI 0.5 mg/kg/day NOAEL 50 mg/kg/day Rat 90-day In Vitro Genotoxicity Chromosome Aberration Cytotoxic; Southampton Mix B Only 7.5mg 8-9yr Children Hyperactivity Statistically Significant; EU Regulation 1333/2008 Mandatory Warning Label; Banned US FDA Canada Japan Australia NZ Norway; Parent Quinoline IARC Group 2B Vol 82 2002 Hepatocarcinogenic Animals; Contact Dermatitis Hairdressers Salon Workers Occupational; WWTP Poor Biodegradation Quinoline Derivatives (2009) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →