Color Additive · CAS 83-88-5 · EU E101
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #325 of 417.
- #325 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #325 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (20th percentile).
- 5/5
- Generally Safe
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #325 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): composite 5/5 (Generally Safe) with FDA GRAS and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E101 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 83-88-5 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 3 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?
Natural yellow color and essential vitamin.
Health Concerns
- Safe. Essential nutrient.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Product-count (3) and safety-score (5/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 5/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) safe to consume?
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) scores 5/5 (Generally Safe). FDA status is GRAS. In the lower-concern band the federal listing is the primary signal; EU status is Approved. Moderation still applies to any additive.
What is Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) used for in food?
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is commonly used as: Pasta, cereals, baby food. It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Where does Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #325 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?
The FDA classifies Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E101). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Safe. Essential nutrient.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.