R71 – Food Colourant Riboflavin (E101)
R71 is a food colourant based on riboflavin (Vitamin B2) that gives foods a yellow-orange colour and is considered safe for consumption.
Things worth knowing about "R71"
R71 is a food colourant based on riboflavin (Vitamin B2) that gives foods a yellow-orange colour and is considered safe for consumption.
What is R71?
R71 is the designation for a food colourant based on the natural compound riboflavin (Vitamin B2). Within the European food additive labelling system, this colourant is also known under the E-number E101. It is used to give foods and beverages a characteristic yellow to orange colour.
Origin and Properties
Riboflavin occurs naturally in many foods, including dairy products, eggs, meat, and green vegetables. As a food colourant, it is produced either through fermentation (using microorganisms) or by chemical synthesis. The colourant is:
- Water-soluble
- Light-sensitive (it can degrade under UV light)
- Heat-stable at normal processing temperatures
- Yellow to intense orange in colour
Use in Food Products
R71 (E101) is used in a wide variety of food products and beverages, including:
- Dairy products and processed cheese preparations
- Fine bakery products and confectionery
- Energy drinks and fruit juices
- Pasta and noodle products
- Diet products and dietary supplements
The permitted maximum levels are regulated by European food additive legislation, specifically Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
Health Significance
Because R71 is based on Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), it is not only a colourant but also an essential nutrient for the human body. Riboflavin plays a key role in:
- Energy production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
- Normal functioning of the nervous system
- Maintenance of healthy skin, mucous membranes, and eyes
- Supporting immune system function
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed E101 as safe for its intended use. Allergic reactions or intolerances to riboflavin are extremely rare and barely documented in the scientific literature.
Labelling Requirements
Foods containing R71 (E101) must declare this additive on the ingredient list in accordance with European food labelling regulations, either as riboflavin or as E101. Unlike synthetic azo dyes, E101 does not require any additional warning label on the product packaging.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of riboflavin (E 101) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2013.
- European Parliament and Council: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- Elmadfa I., Leitzmann C.: Human Nutrition. 5th Edition, Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart, 2015.
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