Roboflavin

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in energy metabolism and cell growth. It is naturally present in foods like milk, eggs, meat, and leafy green vegetables. For food applications, it can be produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis.

Manufacturers add riboflavin to foods primarily as a nutrient to enrich or fortify products, helping to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B2. It also provides a yellow-orange color, making it useful as a natural food coloring. It is commonly found in enriched grain products such as breads, pasta, and cereals, as well as in some dairy products and beverages.

Riboflavin is an essential vitamin and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in foods as a nutrient. The body typically excretes any excess riboflavin, making overdose rare. JECFA has evaluated riboflavin and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified) as it is a vitamin. EFSA has also evaluated its safety and nutritional role.