Synthetic dye
Also known as: C.I. 42090, CI 42090, Brilliant Blue, Blue 1 Lake, Blue Dye 1, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, Brilliant blue FCF, Blue 1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, E 133, Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 1, Acid Blue 9, E133, Brilliant Blue FCF Lake, Brilliant Blue FCF, CAS 3844-45-9, FD&C Blue 1
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue No. 1, E133) is a synthetic triarylmethane dye used to color candies, beverages, baked goods, and other foods, often listed in its "aluminum lake" pigment form. It is a certified color additive in the US and authorized in the EU as E133.
Is Blue 1 safe? Is it banned or restricted? Below is the cited record — every claim linked to the regulator, study, or report that made it.
Beginning December 31, 2027, competitive foods do not contain any of the following substances: ... Blue 1 ... a school food facility shall not sell or otherwise provide a food product for consumption by pupils if the food product contains [it].
California's School Food Safety Act (AB 2316, 2024) bars public schools from selling or serving foods containing Blue 1 (FD&C Blue No. 1) beginning December 31, 2027.
Synthetic food dyes are associated with neurobehavioral effects, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness in sensitive children. More evidence is currently available for Red No. 3, Red No. 40, and Yellow No. 5 than the other FD&C batch certified dyes.
California OEHHA's 2021 assessment evaluated the seven FD&C dyes — including FD&C Blue No. 1 — and concluded synthetic food dyes can cause or worsen neurobehavioral effects (hyperactivity, inattentiveness, restlessness) in some children, while noting more direct evidence exists for Red 3, Red 40, and Yellow 5 than for the other dyes such as Blue 1.
Food Court reports publicly available findings from regulatory bodies, peer-reviewed research, and journalism. We cite every claim. We are not your doctor — we are a search engine for what's known about your food. Follow the links to the original sources.