Patent Blue V
Also known as: E131, Food Blue 5, Sulphan Blue, Acid Blue 3, L-Blau 3
Patent Blue V (E131) is authorized in the EU but NOT approved for food use in the U.S. EFSA's 2013 re-evaluation found exposure exceeds the ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day in toddlers and children at maximum permitted use levels.
What it is
Patent Blue V (E131): synthetic triphenylmethane food colorant producing dark blue color.
Blue food coloring.
Why it's flagged
- hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis
- children may exceed ADI
- not FDA-approved for food
What regulators actually say
"The Panel established an ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day... at the maximum permitted levels of use of Patent Blue V (E 131), exposure estimates for high consumers are above the ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day in toddlers and children."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
NOT approved for food use in the United States.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized under Reg (EC) 1333/2008; ADI 5 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2013 re-evaluation).
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