Is e104 vegan?

E104 is the E-number for Quinoline Yellow WS, a synthetic food coloring that imparts a bright greenish-yellow shade. It is an artificial dye produced industrially through chemical synthesis using petroleum derivatives. The manufacturing process typically involves reacting 2-methylquinoline with phthalic anhydride, followed by a sulfonation process to produce water-soluble sodium salts. Food manufacturers add it to a variety of processed items, such as confectionery, soft drinks, dessert powders, ice creams, processed snacks, sauces, and baked goods. It is also commonly used to color pharmaceutical tablets and cosmetic products.

E104 is vegan because it is entirely synthetic in origin and contains no animal-derived components. The chemical reactions used to synthesize Quinoline Yellow WS rely strictly on petrochemical and mineral feedstocks rather than animal tissues, fats, or processing aids. Because no animals or animal byproducts are involved at any stage of its formulation, foods containing E104 are consistent with a vegan diet.