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

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E-Number	E133
FDA Status	FDA-approved since 1969 (21 CFR 74.101). Listed as a certified color additive. Subject to batch certification by the FDA…
EFSA Status	EFSA re-evaluated in 2010 and established an ADI of 6 mg/kg body weight/day. EU requires warning labels on products cont…
ADI	6 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA, 2010)
Severity	Moderate 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

Products Containing Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) (670 found in our database)

Average safety score for products containing Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): 36/100

Safer Alternatives

Scientific Sources

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 670 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.

⚕️ 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

APA

CheckIt 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, 2026-03-08. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/blue-1.

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<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 2026-03-08}
}

#	Product	Brand	Score
1	CORNER STORE, GUMMY WORMS	Hot Stop Foods	0/100
2	FROSTED STRAWBERRY TOASTER PASTRIES, FROSTED STRAWBERRY	The Kellogg Company	0/100
3	JELLY BEANS, STINK BUG, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW, DIRTY DISHWATER, BIRTHDAY CAKE, ROTTEN EGG, BUTTERED POPCORN, TOOTHPASTE, BERRY BLUE, BARF, PEACH, CANNED DOG FOOD, CHOCOLATE PUDDING, BOOGER, JUICY PEAR, SPOILED MILK, COCONUT, STINKY SOCKS, TUTTI-FRUITTI, DEAD FISH, STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE	Jelly Belly Candy Company	0/100
4	JELLY BEANS, STINK BUG, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW, DIRTY DISHWATER, BIRTHDAY CAKE, ROTTEN EGG, BUTTERED POPCORN, TOOTHPASTE, BERRY BLUE, BARF, PEACH, CANNED DOG FOOD, CHOCOLATE PUDDING, BOOGER, JUICY PEAR, SPOILED MILK, COCONUT, STINKY SOCKS, TUTTI-FRUITTI, DEAD FISH, STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE	Jelly Belly Candy Company	0/100
5	JELLY BEANS, STINK BUG, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW, DIRTY DISHWATER, BIRTHDAY CAKE, ROTTEN EGG, BUTTERED POPCORN, TOOTHPASTE, BERRY BLUE, BARF, PEACH, CANNED DOG FOOD, CHOCOLATE PUDDING, BOOGER, JUICY PEAR, SPOILED MILK, COCONUT, STINKY SOCKS, TUTTI-FRUITTI, DEAD FISH, STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE	Jelly Belly Candy Company	0/100
6	PRINGLES CRISPS CHEESEBURGER 5.96OZ	Kellogg Company US	0/100
7	Pringles Crisps Cheeseburger 5.5oz	Kellogg Company US	0/100
8	Pringles Crisps Memphis Original Bbq 5.5oz	Kellogg Company US	0/100
9	NABISCO CHIPS AHOY! COOKIES CANDY 1X12.400 OZ	Mondelez Int. US (0074819091009)	0/100
10	FRUITY PEBBLES SWEETENED RICE CEREAL, FRUITY PEBBLES	Post Consumer Brands, LLC	0/100

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