Riboflavin
Learn what Riboflavin (E101) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Riboflavin?
A food additive from the category of natural colorants. It imparts a yellow color and is permitted for use in any type of food (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, meat products, dairy, eggs, vegetables, fruits, cereals, sweets, etc.) according to the quantities specified in recipes. Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, is naturally present in foods such as milk, eggs, liver, and vegetables. The commercial preparation is obtained from yeast but can also be synthetically produced. It is a yellow food colorant with low water solubility, which limits its applications.
Why is Riboflavin added to food?
Riboflavin (E101) is a colorant commonly found in: Alcoholic beverages, cereals, sweets.
Permitted quantity: Maximum daily dose: 0.5 mg/kg body weight
Is Riboflavin safe?
Generally recognized as safe
No side effects are known for the concentrations used in foods.
Is Riboflavin banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Riboflavin okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and children under 4 years old.
Common foods that contain Riboflavin
- Alcoholic beverages
- cereals
- sweets
How to spot Riboflavin on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E101
- Riboflavin
Common misspellings to watch for:
- ribofldvin
- riboflavin
- ribotlavin
- rlboflavin
- riboflavln
- riboilavin
Better alternatives
• Toxicity in high doses: Riboflavin is water-soluble, meaning excess is typically eliminated through urine. However, excessive consumption can cause issues such as a burning or itching sensation on the skin, intensely colored urine, and, in rare cases, diarrhea. High doses of riboflavin should be avoided. • Liver conditions: People with severe liver conditions should avoid high-dose riboflavin supplements, as a compromised liver may struggle to metabolize excess vitamins.
Also known as
- ribofldvin
- riboflavin
- ribotlavin
- rlboflavin
- riboflavln
- riboilavin
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Riboflavin? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E101 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Riboflavin
- Is Riboflavin safe to eat?
- No side effects are known for the concentrations used in foods.
- Is Riboflavin banned anywhere?
- Riboflavin is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Riboflavin safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and children under 4 years old.
- How do I spot Riboflavin on a food label?
- Look for E101, Riboflavin in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: ribofldvin, riboflavin, ribotlavin.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.