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E133ColorantModerate concern
Brilliant Blue FCF
In plain words
The short version
The dominant blue food colorant — used in candies, ice cream, and powdered drink mixes.
Why we flag it amber
A synthetic blue dye (Blue 1). It's approved worldwide, but as a synthetic 'coal-tar' colour it's part of the group linked in some studies to hyperactivity in sensitive children. It adds colour but nothing nutritional — that's why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI of 6 mg/kg body weight. Generally considered safer than the azo class — not part of the Southampton six. Poorly absorbed from the gut; rare reports of dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Used clinically as an intravenous dye for procedural marking.
The detail
A synthetic triarylmethane dye developed in the late 19th century. Produced by condensing benzaldehyde-o-sulphonic acid with ethyl-benzyl-aniline-sulphonic acid.
The dominant blue food colorant — used in soft drinks, candies, ice cream, dairy desserts, and powdered drink mixes. Often combined with E102 Tartrazine to produce greens. Typical use 25–100 mg/kg.
Deep blue crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Stable to light, heat, and oxidation under most food conditions. Sulfonic groups give very high water solubility.
Permitted globally. EU and US (FD&C Blue 1) without warning labels. Previously banned in several European countries on uncertain grounds; restrictions have since been lifted.
Sources
- EFSA — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133) as a food additive (2010) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ANS Panel, 2010. ADI of 6 mg/kg bw
- WHO JECFA database — Brilliant Blue FCF (INS 133), evaluation 2017 (84th meeting) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO, 2017. ADI of 6 mg/kg bw (international evaluation)
- 21 CFR 74.101 — FD&C Blue No. 1 (CFR, 2025 edition) — U.S. Government Publishing Office / FDA, 2025. Permitted in the US as FD&C Blue No. 1
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.