Food Additive DB

Cross-Country Regulation Comparison

Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

Brilliant Blue FCF

E133 | INS 133

Names & Identifiers

E Number
E133
INS Number
133
CAS Number
3844-45-9
Scientific Name
disodium;2-[[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]amino]phenyl]-[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]azaniumylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene]methyl]benzenesulfonate
Japanese Name
ブリリアントブルーFCF
Also Known As
Blue 1, FD&C Blue No. 1, CI 42090

Regulation Status by Country

🇪🇺 EU Approved 🇺🇸 USA Approved 🇯🇵 Japan Approved 🇦🇺 AU/NZ Approved 🇨🇦 Canada Approved

European Union

Status: approved | Max level: varies by food category mg/kg

Quantum satis in most categories

United States

Status: approved | Certified color additive

One of the most commonly used food dyes in the USA

Japan

Status: approved | Category: 指定添加物

Australia / New Zealand

Status: approved | Code: 133

Canada

Status: approved

What is Brilliant Blue FCF?

Classification

Function: colour
Type: synthetic
Source: coal tar derivative

How It's Made

Method: chemical synthesis
Synthesized through condensation of benzaldehyde derivatives with aromatic amines.

Uses Beyond Food

  • Cosmetics: Widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.
  • Pharmaceutical: Used as a colorant in tablets, capsules, and medical diagnostic procedures.
  • Industrial: Used in textile dyeing and as a biological stain.

Commonly Found In

Brilliant Blue FCF is typically used in:

Candies and sweets Soft drinks and flavored beverages Baked goods and desserts Ice cream and frozen desserts Breakfast cereals Yogurt and flavored dairy products Snack foods and chips

Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.

Safety Evaluations (Official)

JECFA (WHO/FAO)

ADI: 0–6 mg/kg bw/day
Evaluated: 2020

View JECFA Database →

EFSA (EU)

ADI: 6 mg/kg bw/day
Evaluated: 2013

ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)

Research & Official Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brilliant Blue FCF (E133)?

Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) is a colour used in food products. It is synthetic and coal tar derivative. A synthetic blue dye derived from coal tar, not found in nature.

What is the ADI for Brilliant Blue FCF?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Brilliant Blue FCF is 0–6 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Brilliant Blue FCF?

Brilliant Blue FCF is used in various food categories including Other confectionery, Flavoured drinks. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Brilliant Blue FCF the same as Blue 1?

Yes, Brilliant Blue FCF is also known as Blue 1, FD&C Blue No. 1, CI 42090. These are different names for the same substance.

Related Additives

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