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E131ColorantModerate concern
Patent Blue V
In plain words
The short version
A synthetic blue dye used in sweets and drinks (and blended for greens); not approved for food in the US.
Why we flag it amber
A synthetic blue dye (Patent Blue V). It's cosmetic only and can occasionally cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive people, which is why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI 5 mg/kg body weight (EFSA re-evaluation). Can rarely cause allergic-type reactions — including, when injected medically, anaphylaxis. Historically banned as a food color in several countries.
The detail
A synthetic triarylmethane blue dye.
Blue colorant, often blended with yellows to make greens, in confectionery, drinks, and desserts. It is also used medically to map lymph vessels.
Dark blue-violet water-soluble powder.
EU-permitted; not approved for food use in the US; varies elsewhere.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Patent Blue V (E 131) as a food additive (2013) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal 2013;11(3):2818), 2013. Safety: ADI 5 mg/kg bw set by the EFSA re-evaluation
- WHO JECFA database — Patent Blue V (INS 131) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 1982. Regulation: status varies outside the EU; JECFA has allocated no ADI
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated version of 18 August 2026 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Regulation: EU-permitted colour
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.