Is Riboflavin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Riboflavin is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Also called vitamin B2. (E101) CAS 83-88-5.
Other names: E101, vitamin B2, lactoflavin, riboflavin-5-phosphate
Is Riboflavin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Kraft Mac & Cheese (yellow), Monster Energy Drink, Kellogg's Cereals (vitamin-enriched), Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Various multivitamin gummies |
| CAS number | 83-88-5 |
What is Riboflavin?
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential water-soluble vitamin used as a yellow food colorant (E101). It naturally occurs in meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and leafy greens. Commercial riboflavin for food use is produced by bacterial fermentation (primarily using Ashbya gossypii or Bacillus subtilis). It provides a yellow-to-green-yellow color in foods.
Why is Riboflavin used in food?
Provides a natural yellow color in cheeses, pasta, vitamin-enriched products, and energy drinks; also functions as a nutritional supplement (vitamin B2).
Is Riboflavin dangerous? Documented risks
Riboflavin is one of the safest food additives. It is an essential nutrient with no established upper tolerable intake limit due to its extremely low toxicity — excess riboflavin is simply excreted in urine (which turns bright yellow). No carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or mutagenicity has been identified.
Common US products containing Riboflavin
How to avoid Riboflavin: safer alternatives
Turmeric extract (E100) and beta-carotene (E160a) are alternative yellow colorants.
Frequently asked questions about Riboflavin
Is riboflavin safe?
Yes — it is an essential vitamin and one of the most benign food additives with no identified upper toxicity limit.
Why does riboflavin turn urine yellow?
Excess riboflavin is water-soluble and excreted through the kidneys, giving urine a bright yellow color.
Is riboflavin in energy drinks natural?
Riboflavin in energy drinks is typically fermentation-produced and provides both color and vitamin B2 fortification.
Is E101 the same as vitamin B2?
Yes — riboflavin is both a food color (E101) and an essential nutrient (vitamin B2).
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Sources
- FDA 21 CFR 73.450 — Riboflavin color additive — FDA
- EFSA — Dietary Reference Values for riboflavin — EFSA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.