What Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

⚡ Quick Facts

E-NumberE133
FDA StatusFDA-approved since 1969 (21 CFR 74.101). Listed as a certified color additive. Subject to batch certification by the FDA…
EFSA StatusEFSA re-evaluated in 2010 and established an ADI of 6 mg/kg body weight/day. EU requires warning labels on products cont…
ADI6 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA, 2010)
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)

What Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)?

A synthetic triarylmethane dye derived from petroleum, used to give food a bright blue color. One of only two blue dyes permitted for food use in the US (along with Blue 2). Found in candy, beverages, ice cream, and cereals.

Mechanism of Action

Blue 1 has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier in vitro, raising questions about potential neurological effects. It is poorly absorbed from the GI tract (around 5%) and primarily excreted in feces. Some reports of allergic reactions including urticaria and asthma in sensitive individuals.

Why People Avoid Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

FDA-approved since 1969 (21 CFR 74.101). Listed as a certified color additive. Subject to batch certification by the FDA. ADI not formally established by FDA.

🇪🇺 EFSA

EFSA re-evaluated in 2010 and established an ADI of 6 mg/kg body weight/day. EU requires warning labels on products containing Blue 1, similar to other synthetic dyes.

Regulatory Timeline

1969 FDA permanently lists Blue 1 for food use
2003 FDA warns about Blue 1 use in enteral feeding solutions after reports of patient deaths
2007 Included in broader food dye review following Southampton Study
2008 EU mandates warning labels
2010 EFSA re-evaluates, sets ADI of 6 mg/kg/day

Products Containing Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) (10 found)

#ProductBrandScore
1Trail Mix Snack PacksKirkland,Kirkland Signature,M&M's0/100
2ORIGINAL GRAPE, GREEN APPLE, LEMON, STRAWBERRY, ORANGE BITE SIZE CANDIES, ORIGINALMars Chocolate North America LLC1/100
3Trail MixKirkland1/100
4Equate Clear Liquid Hand Soap—4/100
5Skittles LittlesSkittles9/100
6Skittles Pop'dSkittles12/100
7Equate—16/100
8Trail MixKirkland18/100
9ASSORTED CARAMELS SUGAR FREE CHOCOLATE CANDY, ASSORTED CARAMELSRussell Stover Candies Inc.20/100
10PEANUT CHOCOLATE CANDIES, PEANUTMars Chocolate North America LLC20/100

Average safety score for products containing Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): 10/100

Safer Alternatives

✅
Spirulina extract (phycocyanin)
✅
Butterfly pea flower
✅
Red cabbage extract (at alkaline pH)
✅
Gardenia blue

Scientific Sources

  1. EFSA (2010). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133)
  2. FDA (2003). Reports of Blue Discoloration and Death in Patients Receiving Enteral Feedings Tinted With Blue Dye
  3. Lau et al. (2006). Inhibition of P2X7 receptor activity by Brilliant Blue G

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)?
A synthetic triarylmethane dye derived from petroleum, used to give food a bright blue color. One of only two blue dyes permitted for food use in the US (along with Blue 2). Found in candy, beverages, ice cream, and cereals.
Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) safe?
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) is FDA-approved since 1969 (21 CFR 74.101). Listed as a certified color additive. Subject to batch cert. EFSA re-evaluated in 2010 and established an ADI of 6 mg/kg body weight/day. EU requires warning lab.
Where is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) banned?
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) is not currently banned in any major market according to our database.
What are alternatives to Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)?
Safer alternatives to Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) include: Spirulina extract (phycocyanin), Butterfly pea flower, Red cabbage extract (at alkaline pH), Gardenia blue.
How can I avoid Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)?
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) is commonly found in: M&Ms (blue), Gatorade, Cotton candy, Ice cream, Frosting, Popsicles. Our database has flagged it in 10 products.
What are the side effects of Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)?
Concerns about Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) include: Shown to cross the blood-brain barrier in laboratory studies; FDA warnings about toxicity in enteral feeding tube patients (2003); EU warning label requirement.
Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) natural or artificial?
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): Blue 1 has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier in vitro, raising questions about potential neurological effects. It is poorly absorbed from th.
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Related Ingredients

Compare Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)

Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) vs Red 40 (Allura Red AC)Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) vs Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) vs Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) vs Red 3 (Erythrosine)Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) vs Caramel Color (4-MEI)Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) vs Titanium Dioxide
Red 40 (Allura Red AC)Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)AspartameBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)Sodium NitriteCarrageenan 📱 Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) Scanner App Ingredient Comparisons All Ingredients Ingredients Banned in Europe Scoring Methodology

⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/blue-1
MLA"What Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/blue-1.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/blue-1">What Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsblue1, title = {What Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/blue-1}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }