Is CI 42090 in food? Understanding Brilliant Blue FCF

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FD&C Blue No. 1, which shares the Color Index (CI) number 42090, was permanently listed for use in food and ingested drugs in 1969. This synthetic dye is a common ingredient in many processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Quick Summary

This article explores the presence and safety of CI 42090, a synthetic blue food colorant known as Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue No. 1, or E133. It details its approval status by major regulatory bodies, its typical food applications, and consumer information about its use.

Key Points

Identity: CI 42090 is the chemical name for the synthetic food colorant known as Brilliant Blue FCF, also called FD&C Blue No. 1 or E133.
Approval: This food dye is approved for consumption and regulated by major authorities like the FDA in the US and the EFSA in Europe.
Purpose: Its primary function is to provide a vibrant blue color to a wide variety of processed foods, beverages, and confectionery.
Labeling: On food packaging, it is typically listed as 'Blue 1' (US) or 'E133' (EU) rather than 'CI 42090'.
Safety: Regulatory bodies consider it safe for consumption within approved limits, although some people may have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Alternatives: Natural alternatives for blue coloring exist, such as spirulina extract, for those who wish to avoid synthetic dyes.

What is CI 42090 and its relation to food?

CI 42090 is the identification number for a synthetic colorant known as Brilliant Blue FCF, or more commonly in the United States as FD&C Blue No. 1. This triarylmethane dye is derived from petroleum and is responsible for the vibrant blue hue found in a wide variety of commercial products. While the 'CI' designation is more often used in the cosmetic industry, the exact same compound is widely utilized and regulated as a food additive under different names.

Regulatory approval and safety

Regulatory bodies across the globe have evaluated and approved the use of Brilliant Blue FCF (CI 42090) in food and beverages, albeit with strict regulations on purity and concentration.

United States: The FDA permanently approved FD&C Blue No. 1 for food and ingested drug use in 1969 and considers it generally nontoxic.
European Union: In the EU, it is identified as food colorant E133 and is allowed for use with an established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
Other Bodies: International reviews, including those by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), have also supported its safe use.

Despite its approval, discussions around synthetic food dyes and potential health impacts, such as neurobehavioral effects in children, continue. However, the scientific consensus among major regulatory bodies is that the additive is safe when consumed within established limits. It is important for consumers to note that while the colorant itself may be safe, allergic reactions can occur in some individuals.

Common food products containing CI 42090 (Brilliant Blue FCF)

Brilliant Blue FCF is ubiquitous in the food industry, added to create visually appealing products. You can find it in a wide array of items, including:

Candy and confectionery
Soft drinks and other beverages
Ice cream and frozen desserts
Processed foods and snacks
Baked goods
Breakfast cereals
Gelatin desserts and puddings

Food labels will typically list this ingredient as either 'Blue 1' or 'Brilliant Blue FCF' in the US, and 'E133' in Europe.

Understanding the regulatory landscape: CI 42090 vs. FD&C Blue 1

It's crucial to differentiate between the chemical identifier, CI 42090, and the regulatory names used for food applications. While they refer to the same compound, their context is different.

Comparison Table: CI 42090 vs. FD&C Blue 1


Feature	CI 42090	FD&C Blue No. 1 / E133
Primary Use	General colorant identifier, often for cosmetic products.	Specifically for food, drug, and cosmetic applications in the US.
Regulatory Body	Universal Color Index system, not regulated by a single body.	US FDA for FD&C, EU for E-numbers.
Labeling Term	Not typically used on food product ingredient lists.	The official term found on packaging in the US and Europe.
Synonyms	Acid Blue 9, D&C Blue 4.	Brilliant Blue FCF, E133.

What are the alternatives to synthetic blue colorants?

For consumers or manufacturers seeking alternatives to synthetic dyes, several natural options are available, though they may not always provide the same intensity or shade stability.

Spirulina Extract: Derived from blue-green algae, this provides a natural blue color.
Butterfly Pea Flower: This ingredient can create natural blue hues.
Red Cabbage: While typically a purple color, red cabbage pigment can be manipulated to produce blue in certain pH conditions.

These natural alternatives often come with different processing requirements and may be more sensitive to light and heat compared to their synthetic counterparts.

Conclusion: The clear answer on CI 42090

In summary, yes, CI 42090 is in food, but it is known by more common names such as Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue No. 1, and E133, depending on the region. It is a synthetic dye approved for consumption by major food safety authorities worldwide and used to color a vast range of processed foods. While safety concerns are sometimes raised regarding synthetic dyes, regulatory bodies maintain that its use within approved levels is safe for the general population. For those concerned about synthetic ingredients, several natural colorants can serve as alternatives. As with any food additive, reading ingredient labels is the most reliable way to know what you are consuming.

For more in-depth information on food additives, consult the official FDA website regarding color additives: FDA Food Additives

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, CI 42090 is the scientific identifier for the same synthetic blue dye widely known as FD&C Blue No. 1 in the United States.

In Europe, the food colorant CI 42090 is listed as E133, which is used for the same purpose as FD&C Blue No. 1 in the US.

Yes, Brilliant Blue FCF is approved by food safety agencies such as the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for consumption within specific concentration limits.

CI 42090 is found in many processed foods, including sodas, ice creams, candies, gelatin desserts, and some cereals.

Yes, CI 42090 is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum and does not contain any animal products.

While it is considered safe by most regulatory bodies, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Ongoing discussions exist regarding potential links between synthetic dyes and hyperactivity in children, though a consensus has not been reached.

To avoid this dye, you should check food labels for 'Brilliant Blue FCF', 'FD&C Blue No. 1', or 'E133'. Opting for products with natural colorants or whole, unprocessed foods is another strategy.