What is E132 (Indigotine)?
E132 is the European code for the synthetic food coloring Indigotine, which is also known as Indigo Carmine or FD&C Blue No. 2 in the United States. It is derived from coal tar and is one of the oldest synthetic food dyes. As a water-soluble powder or granule, it is valued by manufacturers for its intense blue color, which can also be combined with yellow dyes to create green hues. This dye is not typically used in highly acidic foods due to its poor resistance to acid.
Foods and Beverages Containing E132
E132 is used across a wide variety of processed food categories, where a vivid blue or green color is desired. This includes many products commonly consumed by children and adults.
Confectionery and Snacks
Candy, sweets, and snacks are some of the most common products to contain E132. The synthetic dye helps create the bold and bright colors that make these items visually appealing to consumers.
- Candies: Skittles, M&Ms, Nerds, Flying Saucers, and other assorted chewy and hard candies frequently use this dye.
- Decorations: Cake and pastry decorations, icings, and sprinkles often contain E132 to achieve blue coloring.
- Baked Goods: This includes fine bakery wares like rainbow chip party cake mix, biscuits, and wafers.
- Snacks: Processed snack foods based on potato, cereal, flour, or starch may contain indigotine.
Beverages and Dairy Products
E132 is also added to a range of drinks and dairy items to achieve specific colors.
- Soft Drinks: Many bottled soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks feature a blue glow from this synthetic colorant.
- Liqueurs: Some alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs, also contain E132.
- Dairy Desserts: Edible ices, including ice cream and sorbets, as well as flavored yogurts and other dairy-based desserts, can contain the dye.
- Cheese: Processed cheese and the edible rind of some ripened cheeses may use E132 for color.
Other Processed Foods
Beyond sweets and drinks, E132 can be found in a variety of other processed food applications.
- Meat Products: Some sausages, pâtés, and meat products have been known to include indigotine.
- Sauces and Condiments: It can be found in some sauces, seasonings, and mustards.
- Fish Products: Certain fish pastes, crustacean pastes, and smoked fish may contain E132.
- Supplements: Food supplements are also a food category where indigotine is a permitted additive.
Identifying E132 on Food Labels
For consumers who wish to identify or avoid E132, reading the ingredient list is crucial. The dye can be listed under several names depending on the regulatory region and product labeling standards.
- Look for the name Indigotine.
- Look for the E number E132.
- Look for the U.S. designation FD&C Blue No. 2.
- Note that it may also appear as Indigo Carmine.
E132 vs. Natural Blue Colorings: A Comparison
| Feature | E132 (Indigotine) | Natural Blue Color (e.g., Anthocyanins) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Synthetic chemical derived from coal tar | Plant-based, often from fruits and vegetables like red cabbage |
| Color Stability | Poor stability to light and oxidation, moderate to heat | Variable stability; can be sensitive to heat, light, and pH |
| Acid Resistance | Poor resistance; not suitable for acidic foods | pH-sensitive; can change color from red to blue depending on acidity |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Generally a cost-effective solution for bright blue coloring | Can be more expensive and harder to maintain color consistency |
| Consumer Perception | Concerns raised by some consumers about synthetic colors | Viewed as a 'clean label' alternative, aligning with consumer demand |
Safety and Regulatory Status
Both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved E132 for use as a food additive, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of up to 5 mg/kg body weight. However, its use is strictly regulated, and it is prohibited in food for infants and young children.
Potential Concerns
While generally considered safe within regulatory limits, some concerns have been raised. Rare allergic reactions, such as urticaria (hives), have been reported in sensitive individuals. E132 may also contain aluminum when used as an aluminum lake, and aluminum is a metal suspected of being associated with some neurological issues, though no harmful effects of indigotine in food have been proven. The safety of E132 is regularly re-evaluated by regulatory bodies, such as in the Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Indigo Carmine (E 132) published by EFSA.
Conclusion
E132, or indigotine, is a common synthetic blue dye widely used in many different processed food categories to create vibrant colors. From popular candies and snack foods to soft drinks and dairy desserts, this additive is present in numerous products. While its use is regulated by food safety authorities, consumer trends are driving interest in natural alternatives. For those concerned about synthetic additives, reading food labels to identify E132 or FD&C Blue No. 2 is the most effective way to monitor intake.
