Brilliant Blue FCF E133
synthetic — Primarily coal tar derivative.
disodium;2-[[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]amino]phenyl]-[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]azaniumylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene]methyl]benzenesulfonate
CAS: 3844-45-9
Factual Regulatory Reference
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 is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Brilliant Blue FCF?
Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) is a synthetic indigo-class dye producing a bright blue color widely used in food and beverages including blue sports drinks, confectionery, ice cream, and certain cereals. It is manufactured through chemical synthesis from aromatic compounds and is one of the few approved blue food dyes available globally. In the United States, it is approved as FD&C Blue No. 1, and it also carries authorization in the EU as E133, Japan, Canada, and Australia/NZ. EFSA completed a re-evaluation in 2010 and established an ADI of 6 mg/kg body weight per day.
? Did You Know?
Beyond food, Brilliant Blue FCF is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Regulatory Analysis
Brilliant Blue FCF occupies an interesting position as a synthetic dye with relatively low controversy despite belonging to the same triarylmethane chemical class as more contentious dyes like Patent Blue V and Green S. Its historical bans in some European countries before EU harmonization, followed by broad re-approval, demonstrate how the single-market regulatory project can override more conservative national positions. The dye's dual role in food coloring and medical diagnostics -- where it is used as a vital dye in ophthalmic surgery -- provides an unusual parallel safety dataset from clinical use at concentrations far exceeding food exposure levels.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Quantum satis in most categories
United States (FDA)
One of the most commonly used food dyes in the USA
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Synthesized through condensation of benzaldehyde derivatives with aromatic amines.
Applications Beyond Food
Widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Used as a colorant in tablets, capsules, and medical diagnostic procedures.
Used in textile dyeing and as a biological stain.