Food Additive DB

Cross-Country Regulation Comparison

Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

Riboflavin

E101 | INS 101

Names & Identifiers

E Number
E101
INS Number
101
CAS Number
83-88-5
Scientific Name
7,8-Dimethyl-10-ribityl-isoalloxazine
Japanese Name
リボフラビン
Also Known As
Vitamin B2, Lactoflavin

Regulation Status by Country

🇪🇺 EU Approved 🇺🇸 USA Approved 🇯🇵 Japan Approved 🇦🇺 AU/NZ Approved 🇨🇦 Canada Approved

European Union

Status: approved | Max level: quantum satis mg/kg

Approved for general use

United States

Status: approved | GRAS, Exempt from certification

Also approved as a nutrient supplement

Japan

Status: approved | Category: 既存添加物

Also used as a nutritional fortification agent

Australia / New Zealand

Status: approved | Code: 101

Canada

Status: approved

What is Riboflavin?

Classification

Function: colour
Type: natural
Source: vitamin

Natural Occurrence

An essential vitamin (Vitamin B2) naturally present in many foods, particularly dairy products and green vegetables.

Found in: milk, eggs, almonds, leafy vegetables, meat, yeast

How It's Made

Method: fermentation
Commercially produced by microbial fermentation using Bacillus subtilis or Ashbya gossypii, or by chemical synthesis.

Uses Beyond Food

  • Cosmetics: Used in skincare products for its antioxidant properties.
  • Pharmaceutical: Used as a vitamin supplement and as a colorant in pharmaceutical formulations.

Commonly Found In

Riboflavin is typically used in:

Candies and sweets Soft drinks and flavored beverages Baked goods and desserts Ice cream and frozen desserts Breakfast cereals Yogurt and flavored dairy products Snack foods and chips

Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.

Safety Evaluations (Official)

JECFA (WHO/FAO)

ADI: Not specified (vitamin)
Evaluated: 2016

View JECFA Database →

EFSA (EU)

ADI: Not specified (vitamin)
Evaluated: 2013

ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)

Research & Official Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riboflavin (E101)?

Riboflavin (E101) is a colour used in food products. It is natural and vitamin. An essential vitamin (Vitamin B2) naturally present in many foods, particularly dairy products and green vegetables.

Where is Riboflavin found naturally?

Riboflavin is naturally found in milk, eggs, almonds, leafy vegetables, meat, yeast. An essential vitamin (Vitamin B2) naturally present in many foods, particularly dairy products and green vegetables.

What is the ADI for Riboflavin?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Riboflavin is Not specified (vitamin) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Riboflavin?

Riboflavin is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Riboflavin the same as Vitamin B2?

Yes, Riboflavin is also known as Vitamin B2, Lactoflavin. These are different names for the same substance.

Related Additives

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