E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
Food Additives & E-Numbers · 9 specs
Direct Answer
E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.
Source: EFSA / Codex Alimentarius · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| E-Number Code | E101 |
| INS / Codex Number | INS 101(i) |
| Functional Class | Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant |
| Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | 0.5 mg / kg body weight per day |
| Chemical Formula | C17H20N4O6 |
| Primary Mechanism | Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) |
| Common Target Foods | Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks |
| Dietary Compliance | 100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher |
| Safety Approval | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) |
Dual Role: Colorant and Essential Coenzyme
Unlike synthetic azo dyes, E101 is biologically converted into flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), driving mitochondrial ATP synthesis while tinting foods brilliant yellow.
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