Is brilliant blue coloring safe for consumption?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the acceptable daily intake for brilliant blue FCF is 6 mg per kilogram of body weight. But beyond official regulation, the question, "is brilliant blue coloring safe?", continues to spark public concern and debate among consumers.

Quick Summary

FD&C Blue No. 1 is approved by major regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA when used within set limits. Concerns persist, including a potential link to hyperactivity in sensitive children and rare allergic reactions, fueling public debate.

Key Points

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS): Brilliant blue coloring is widely recognized as safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA within established acceptable daily intake limits.
Poor Absorption Rate: The dye is poorly absorbed by the digestive tract, with approximately 95% of it being excreted from the body.
Hyperactivity Link Debated: Concerns about a link between brilliant blue and hyperactivity in children exist, though definitive evidence is lacking and research is complicated by other factors like sugar intake.
Potential Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with pre-existing asthma, have been reported.
Varying Global Regulations: While permitted in many countries, certain European nations like France and Germany have restricted or banned its use.
Natural Alternatives Available: Options like spirulina extract, anthocyanins, and butterfly pea tea can be used as natural colorants for those wishing to avoid synthetic dyes.

Brilliant blue FCF, also known as FD&C Blue No. 1 or E133, is a synthetic triarylmethane dye widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. It provides a vibrant blue color found in various products like candies, sports drinks, and cosmetics. Its stability to heat and light makes it popular for maintaining product appearance. Despite its common use and approval, questions about its safety persist.

How Regulatory Bodies View Brilliant Blue

Regulatory bodies worldwide have assessed brilliant blue FCF. The U.S. FDA approved FD&C Blue No. 1 for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics in 1969. The EU also permits its use as E133, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 6 mg per kilogram of body weight. The EFSA considers it non-carcinogenic and safe within these limits.

However, some European countries like France, Germany, and Norway have historically restricted or banned E133 due to concerns about long-term effects and allergic reactions.

Potential Health Concerns and Scientific Debate

While generally deemed safe by regulators at approved levels, some health concerns have been raised, especially for children and sensitive individuals.

Allergic and Respiratory Reactions

Sensitive individuals, particularly those with asthma, may experience allergic reactions to brilliant blue, including skin rashes and breathing issues, though this is uncommon.

The Hyperactivity Link in Children

The potential link between brilliant blue and hyperactivity in children is debated. Studies have explored this, with mixed results that are difficult to definitively interpret, partly because many products with these dyes also contain sugar, a known factor in hyperactivity. Some lab studies suggest possible neurotoxic effects, but these haven't been confirmed in humans.

Poor Absorption and Excretion

Brilliant blue is poorly absorbed by the body, with about 95% excreted in feces, meaning it doesn't build up. This poor absorption is a key factor in its regulatory approval.

Natural vs. Artificial Blue Colorants: A Comparison

Natural alternatives are available for those avoiding synthetic colorants. Here's a comparison:


Feature	Brilliant Blue FCF (E133)	Spirulina Extract	Anthocyanins (from red cabbage)
Origin	Synthetic, petrochemicals	Natural, blue-green algae	Natural, plant pigments
Color Intensity	Very high, vibrant tones	Good, less intense than synthetic	Variable, blue to purple depending on pH
Stability	High resistance to heat/light	Less stable, degrades with heat	Sensitive to pH and heat
Use Case	Wide range, especially beverages	Confectionery, some beverages, dairy	Limited (acidic products, specific uses)
Vegan Status	Generally synthetic, but some manufacturing concerns exist	Vegan-friendly	Vegan-friendly

Choosing Your Approach

Deciding whether to consume products with brilliant blue is a personal choice. Regulatory bodies consider it safe within limits for most individuals. However, reports of rare allergic reactions and the ongoing discussion about hyperactivity in sensitive people mean potential risks exist.

For families concerned about hyperactivity, particularly with ADHD, choosing products with natural colorants or reducing processed food intake might be advisable. Checking labels for FD&C Blue No. 1 or E133 helps in making informed decisions. Consumer awareness is key as research and regulations evolve.

Resources For more information on food ingredients and additives, see the FDA's overview.

Conclusion

In conclusion, brilliant blue FCF is generally considered safe within approved limits by global health agencies, but public and scientific debate persists. It is poorly absorbed by the body but has been linked to rare allergic reactions and potential hyperactivity effects in sensitive children. Consumers concerned about these effects have a growing number of natural alternatives and can make personal dietary choices based on their individual health considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brilliant blue coloring, also known as FD&C Blue No. 1 and E133, is a synthetic food dye used to create a vibrant blue hue in various foods, drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Yes, FD&C Blue No. 1 was permanently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics in 1969.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for brilliant blue FCF at 6 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

Allergic reactions are rare but can occur in sensitive individuals, including those with asthma. Symptoms may include skin rashes or breathing difficulties.

Some studies suggest a link between artificial food dyes, including brilliant blue, and hyperactivity, especially in sensitive children. However, research is mixed and often complicated by other dietary factors.

Certain European countries, such as France and Germany, have restricted or banned brilliant blue due to concerns over allergic reactions and the long-term effects of synthetic dyes, taking a more cautious approach than other regions.

Yes, natural alternatives include spirulina extract, anthocyanins from red cabbage, and butterfly pea tea, which can all be used to create blue and green shades.

As a synthetic dye, brilliant blue does not contain animal products. However, some vegans have concerns over the history of animal testing for all artificial food colorings.