What is E101?
Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium (E101) is a riboflavin-based additive used for specified colouring and nutrient-related functions in permitted food applications. Goodnessly rates E101 Safe, while food-category permissions and regulator conditions still apply.
A riboflavin-based additive used for specified colouring and nutrient-related functions in permitted food applications. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium?
Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium is a riboflavin-based additive used for specified colouring and nutrient-related functions in permitted food applications. Its function depends on the formulation and the conditions attached to the permitted use.
What's it used for?
- Providing colour in specified foods
- Supporting a nutrient-related function where permitted
- Contributing to a consistent formulation
- Working at permitted levels and in permitted food categories
Where you'll find E101 on the shelf
You may see E101 in packaged foods where its technical function is useful and the food category permits it.
Is E101 permitted? What the regulators say
Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium is listed or permitted in the checked AU/NZ, EU and US frameworks with conditions. Permission is conditional: category, level, identity and specifications matter.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists the additive number in its food-additive materials; the permitted use, food category and conditions are set by the Food Standards Code. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The consolidated Union list includes the additive for specified categories and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | 21 CFR 184.1697 provides a US food-use pathway for sodium riboflavin-5’-phosphate, subject to the section’s identity and conditions. [FDA source] |
Goodnessly rates E101 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- The current primary sources checked for this draft do not state a new numerical ADI for this specific additive. This page does not infer one.
- Colour and nutrient-related permissions are still tied to food category, specifications and use conditions.
- Regulatory permissions can change; confirm the primary source when a product or use is unusual.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing additive functions across products
- People checking the frequency of this ingredient in their usual foods
- People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern
Goodnessly rates E101 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium
- 101
- E101
- Additive class (101)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E101?
E101 is Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium, a riboflavin-based additive used for specified colouring and nutrient-related functions in permitted food applications.
Is E101 permitted?
E101 is listed or permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US sources checked for this draft.
What should I know about Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium?
No numerical ADI for this specific additive was stated in the current primary sources checked for this draft.
How does Goodnessly rate E101?
Goodnessly rates E101 (Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium) as Safe within its rating system.
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