Brilliant Blue Fcf
Also known as: E133, FD&C Blue 1, FD and C Blue 1, Blue 1, fd&c blue no. 1
Both EFSA (2010) and the FDA permit Brilliant Blue FCF. EFSA's re-evaluation set a new ADI of 6 mg/kg bw/day based on a chronic-toxicity NOAEL in rats and concluded that exposure at maximum reported use levels is below the ADI.
What it is
Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue No. 1), a synthetic triphenylmethane dye used to produce a bright blue colour.
Blue colourant; combined with E102/yellow dyes to produce green shades.
Why it's flagged
- allergic/hypersensitivity reactions in rare cases
- consumer concern over synthetic dyes generally
- not an EU 'Southampton six' dye but often grouped with them in public discussion
What regulators actually say
"The Panel used a NOAEL of 631 mg/kg bw/day from a chronic toxicity study in rats and, by application of an uncertainty factor of 100, established a new ADI for Brilliant Blue FCF equal to 6 mg/kg bw/day... The Panel concluded that at the maximum reported levels of use of Brilliant Blue FCF, refined intake estimates (Tier 3) are lower than the ADI of 6 mg/kg bw/day."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as FD&C Blue No. 1 - 21 CFR 74.101 (subject to certification)
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; ADI 6 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2010)
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