FD&C Blue No. 1

E number E133INS 133CAS 3844-45-9

Listed as a colour by Canada, Codex, the EU and the US.

Listed as colours (CA, EU, US, Codex) · flavour enhancers (US) · flavouring agents and adjuvants (US)
Chemical structure of FD&C Blue No. 1, from PubChem compound 19700
Structure from PubChem CID 19700 (National Library of Medicine, public domain). A depiction of one compound: where a listing covers a family, or a substance has no single structure, this page shows none.

FD&C Blue No. 1, known internationally as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic blue dye used in drinks, confectionery, ice cream and icings, often blended with yellow dyes to make greens.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of FD&C Blue No. 1 by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

44 food categories

Show every food category
  • 0.2 ColouringsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 0.3 FlavouringsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milkAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milkAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc)All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powderAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugarAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweetenersAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixtureAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 12.1.3 Salt substituteAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foodsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foodsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda watersAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juicesFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinksAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.4 Formulated BeveragesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol winesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueursAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of waterNot for olive oil. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil)All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 3 Ice cream and edible icesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetablesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa productsPermitted on the surface of chocolate only. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 5.2 Sugar confectioneryAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 5.4 Icings and frostingsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta)All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 7 Breads and bakery productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or piecesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2Not for sausage or sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.4 Edible casingsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.5 Animal protein productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 43 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaPermitted, with conditions

highest permitted level 0.1 mg/kg

10 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • In: Apple and (naming the fruit or fruits) jam; Fig marmalade with pectin; (Naming the fruit or fruits) jam with pectin; (Naming the fruit or fruits) jelly with pectin; Liqueur; (Naming the flavour) milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk with added milk solids; (Naming the flavour) skim milk; (Naming the flavour) skim milk with added milk solids; Pineapple marmalade with pectin; Rhubarb and (naming the fruit or fruits) jam; Sherbet; Smoked fish. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, amaranth, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(a)
  • In: Blend of prepared fish and prepared meat as set out in paragraph 18.1.3(g) of Volume 18 of the Food Compositional Standards Document. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0122, NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(b)
  • In: Bread; Butter; Fish roe (caviar); Icing sugar; Lobster paste; Pickles and relishes; Tomato catsup. Purpose: Food Colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(c)
  • In: Concentrated (naming the fruit) juice, except frozen concentrated orange juice. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm in the juice as consumed. If used in any combination with allura red, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the juice as consumed, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(d)
  • In: (Naming the flavour) essence; (Naming the flavour) extract; (Naming the flavour) flavour. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: M-FAA-24-14. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(d.1)
  • In: Feta cheese. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: 0.10 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(e)
  • In: Ice cream mix. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm in the ice cream. If used in any combination with allura red, amaranth, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the ice cream, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(e.1)
  • In: Ice milk mix. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm in the ice milk. If used in any combination with allura red, amaranth, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the ice milk, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(e.2)
  • In: Lumpfish caviar. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: 450 ppm. To be used in combination with 500 ppm of allura red, 250 ppm of sunset yellow FCF and 100 ppm of tartrazine. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(f)
  • In: Unstandardized foods. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 ppm. Note: This food colour is a synthetic colour as defined in section B.16.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations. For the purposes of section B.16.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the synthetic colours identified in the list above are water soluble with the exception of citrus red No. 2. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0108. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item B.2(g)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3)and 9 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

29 food categories

highest permitted level 500 mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — 150 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/l. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 74: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — 150 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/kg. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — 150 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/kg. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.3 edible cheese rind — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 67: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines and E 180 litholrubine BK 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — 100 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/kg. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 12.4 Mustard — 300 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300 mg/kg.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — 100 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/kg. only meat and fish analouges based on vegetable proteins.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. excluding cidre bouché, cydr jakościowy, perry jakościowe, cydr lodowy, perry lodowe.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. excluding wino owocowe jakościowe.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. except: spirit drinks as defined in categories 1-17, 22, 36, 37 and 41 of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/787. Note 87: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. Note 87: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. only alcoholic beverages with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %. Note 87: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — 100 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/kg. only savoury coated nuts.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — 100 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/l.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 3 edible ices — 150 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/kg. Note 25: The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
  • 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetables — 200 mg/kgML = 200 mg/kg. only preserves of red fruit. Note 34: Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine — 200 mg/kgML = 200 mg/kg. only preserves of red fruit. Note 34: Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — 200 mg/kgML = 200 mg/kg. only preserves of red fruit. Note 34: Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 200 mg/kgML = 200 mg/kg. only preserves of red fruit. Note 34: Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 200 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/kg. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 6.6 Batters — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500 mg/kg. only batters for coating.
  • 8.1 Fresh meat, excluding meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 — quantum satisquantum satis. only for the purpose of health marking.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500 mg/kg. only decorations and coatings except edible external coating of pasturmas Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 78: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500 mg/kg. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma, Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus’. Note 84: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 4 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for salmon substitutes shall be 5,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.3 fish roe — 300 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300 mg/kg. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar). Note 86: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 3 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for pasteurised products shall be 50 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 28 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

38 food categories

highest permitted level 500 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.3 Edible cheese rind — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (67): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine and E 180 litholrubine BK 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of this Regulation, that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. only seasonings, for example curry powder, tandoori Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (70): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 120 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.4 Mustard — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 50 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50.
  • 12.6 Sauces — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. including pickles, relishes, chutney and picalilli; excluding tomato-based sauces Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (65): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. only meat and fish analogues based on vegetable proteins.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — 50 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50. Note (88): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 3 mg/kg only in liquid heat-treated products. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — 50 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. excluding cidre bouché.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. Excluding wino owocowe markowe.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. except: spirit drinks as defined in Article 5(1) and sales denominations listed in Annex II, paragraphs 1-14 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and spirits (preceded by the name of the fruit) obtained by maceration and distillation, Geist (with the name of the fruit or the raw material used), London Gin, Sambuca, Maraschino, Marrasquino or Maraskino and Mistrà. Note (87): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. Note (87): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. only alcoholic drinks with less than 15 % of alcohol and nalewka na winie owocowym, aromatyzowana nalewka na winie owocowym, nalewka na winie z soku winogronowego, aromatyzowana nalewka na winie z soku winogronowego, napój winny owocowy lub miodowy, aromatyzowany napój winny owocowy lub miodowy, wino owocowe niskoalkoholowe and aromatyzowane wino owocowe niskoalkoholowe. Note (87): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 100: excluding extruded or expanded savoury snack products Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 200: only extruded or expanded savoury snack products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (71): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. only savoury-coated nuts.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100.
  • 3 Edible ices — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
  • 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — 200 mg/kg or mg/lML = 200. only preserves of red fruit. Note (34): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine — 200 mg/kg or mg/lML = 200. only preserves of red fruit. Note (34): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — several limits(1) ML 200: only preserves of red fruit; (2) ML 20: only processed mushy and garden peas (canned). Note (34): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 200 mg/kg or mg/lML = 200. only preserves of red fruit. Note (34): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 120, E 122, E 129, E 131 and E 133.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 300: except candied fruit and vegetables Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 200: only candied fruit and vegetables Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (72): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 500: only decorations, coatings and sauces, except fillings Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 300: only fillings Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
  • 6.6 Batters — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. only batters for coating.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (76): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 8.1 Fresh meat, excluding meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 — quantum satisquantum satis. only for the purpose of health marking.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 500: only decorations and coatings except edible external coating of pasturma s Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) quantum satis: only edible casings Period of application: From 1 August 2014. Note (78): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of this Regulation, that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma , Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus. Note (84): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 4 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for salmon substitutes shall be 5,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar). Note (86): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 3 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for pasteurised products shall be 50 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 37 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyPermitted, with conditions
Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 226, 食用青色一号（別名ブリリアントブルーＦＣＦ）及びそのアルミニウムレーキ (“Food Blue No. …

Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 226, 食用青色一号（別名ブリリアントブルーＦＣＦ）及びそのアルミニウムレーキ (“Food Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) and Food Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake” in the unofficial English translation; listed member: Food Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)). Standards for use — Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (MHW Notification No. 370 of 1959), Part II (Food Additives), F (Standards for use), entry 食用青色1号: (1) [must not be used in the foods stated] “食用青色1号は、カステラ、きなこ、魚肉漬物、鯨肉漬物、こんぶ類、しょう油、食肉、食肉漬物、スポンジケーキ、鮮魚介類(鯨肉を含む。)、茶、のり類、マーマレード、豆類、みそ、めん類(ワンタンを含む。)、野菜及びわかめ類に使用してはならない。” The Japanese is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the Notification; the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications for this additive, in the same Notification, are not imported and are not shown here; nor are the general rules in F 添加物一般, which apply to every additive.

Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act (MHW Ordinance No. 23 of 1948), Appended Table 1retrieved 2026-10-18
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyPermitted, with conditions
Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. …

Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 식용색소청색제1호 (“Food Blue No.1”, the English the Code prints beside it); 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 식용색소청색제1호알루미늄레이크 (“Food Blue No.1 Aluminium Lake”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 식용색소청색제1호: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 식용색소청색제1호: (1) [may be used only in the foods listed; refers to another provision where it is used together with other additives; sets a limit on the amount used] “식용색소청색제1호는 아래의 식품에 한하여 사용하여야 한다. 다만, 다른 식용색소와 병용할 때에는 III. 1. 1) (4)의 규정에 따라 사용한다. 식용색소청색제1호의 사용량은 1. 과자 : 0.2g/kg 이하 2. 캔디류, 추잉껌 : 0.3g/kg 이하 3. 빙과 : 0.15g/kg 이하 4. 빵류 : 0.2g/kg 이하 5. 떡류 : 0.15g/kg 이하 6. 만두류 : 0.1g/kg 이하 7. 기타 코코아가공품, 초콜릿류 : 0.1g/kg 이하 8. 기타잼 : 0.25g/kg 이하 9. 기타 설탕, 기타엿, 당시럽류 : 0.3g/kg 이하 10. 소시지류, 어육소시지 : 0.1g/kg 이하 11. 과·채음료, 탄산음료류, 기타음료 : 0.1g/kg 이하(다만, 희석하여 음용하는 제품에 있어서는 희석한 것으로서) 12. 향신료조제품[고추냉이(와사비)가공품 및 겨자가공품에 한함] : 0.1g/kg 이하 13. 소스 : 0.1g/kg이하 14. 절임류(밀봉 및 가열살균 또는 멸균처리한 제품에 한함. 다만, 단무지는 제외) : 0.5g/kg 이하 15. 주류(탁주, 약주, 소주, 주정을 첨가하지 않은 청주 제외) : 0.2g/kg 이하 16. 식물성크림 : 0.1g/kg 이하 17. 즉석섭취식품 : 0.05g/kg 이하 18. 곡류가공품 : 0.3g/kg 이하 19. 두류가공품, 서류가공품 : 0.2g/kg 이하 20. 전분가공품 : 0.15g/kg 이하 21. 기타 식용유지가공품, 당류가공품, 기타 수산물가공품, 기타가공품, 유함유가공품 : 0.5g/kg 이하 22. 건강기능식품(정제의 제피 또는 캡슐에 한함), 캡슐류 : 0.3g/kg 이하(색소의 사용량은 총 중량 기준으로 적용) 23. 아이스크림류, 아이스크림믹스류 : 0.15g/kg 이하 24. 커피(표면장식에 한함) : 0.1 g/kg 이하(식용색소적색제3호, 식용색소적색제40호, 식용색소황색제4호와 병용할 때는 사용량의 합계가 0.1 g/kg 이하)” Main use (주용도) of 식용색소청색제1호알루미늄레이크: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 식용색소청색제1호알루미늄레이크: (1) [may be used only in the foods listed; refers to another provision where it is used together with other additives; sets a limit on the amount used] “식용색소청색제1호알루미늄레이크는 아래의 식품에 한하여 사용하여야 한다. 다만, 다른 식용색소와 병용할 때에는 III. 1. 1) (4)의 규정에 따라 사용한다. 식용색소청색제1호알루미늄레이크의 사용량은 식용색소청색제1호로서 1. 과자 : 0.2g/kg 이하 2. 캔디류, 추잉껌 : 0.3g/kg 이하 3. 빙과 : 0.15g/kg 이하 4. 빵류 : 0.2g/kg 이하 5. 떡류 : 0.15g/kg 이하 6. 만두류 : 0.1g/kg 이하 7. 기타 코코아가공품, 초콜릿류 : 0.1g/kg 이하 8. 기타잼 : 0.25g/kg 이하 9. 기타 설탕, 기타엿, 당시럽류 : 0.3g/kg 이하 10. 소시지류, 어육소시지 : 0.1g/kg 이하 11. 과·채음료, 탄산음료류, 기타음료 : 0.1g/kg 이하(다만, 희석하여 음용하는 제품에 있어서는 희석한 것으로서) 12. 향신료조제품[고추냉이(와사비)가공품 및 겨자가공품에 한함] : 0.1g/kg 이하 13. 소스 : 0.1g/kg이하 14. 절임류(밀봉 및 가열살균 또는 멸균처리한 제품에 한함. 다만, 단무지는 제외) : 0.5g/kg 이하 15. 주류(탁주, 약주, 소주, 주정을 첨가하지 않은 청주 제외) : 0.2g/kg 이하 16. 식물성크림 : 0.1g/kg 이하 17. 즉석섭취식품 : 0.05g/kg 이하 18. 곡류가공품 : 0.3g/kg 이하 19. 두류가공품, 서류가공품 : 0.2g/kg 이하 20. 전분가공품 : 0.15g/kg 이하 21. 기타 식용유지가공품, 당류가공품, 기타 수산물가공품, 기타가공품, 유함유가공품 : 0.5g/kg 이하 22. 건강기능식품(정제의 제피 또는 캡슐에 한함), 캡슐류 : 0.3g/kg 이하(색소의 사용량은 총 중량 기준으로 적용) 23. 아이스크림류, 아이스크림믹스류 : 0.15g/kg 이하” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.

Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationPermitted, with conditions

2 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • Subject to batch certification by FDA. — 21 CFR 74.101
  • Provisional listing, not a permanent one. 21 CFR 81.1(a) provisionally lists FD&C lakes for use in food, drugs and cosmetics under section 203(b) of the Color Additive Amendments of 1960; 21 CFR 82.51 defines them as the aluminum or calcium salt of a certified straight colour listed in this subpart, extended on a substratum of alumina. This section lists the straight colour such lakes are made from. Subject to batch certification by FDA. — 21 CFR 82.101
21 CFR 74.101and 1 further provisionretrieved 2026-10-17
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

65 food categories

highest permitted level 500 mg/kg

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.1.4 Flavoured Fluid Milk Drinks — 150 mg/kg
    • Note 52 Excluding chocolate milk.
  • 01.6.2.2 Rind of ripened cheese — 100 mg/kg
  • 01.6.5 Cheese analogues — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
  • 01.7 Dairy-based desserts (e.g. pudding, fruit or flavoured yoghurt) — 150 mg/kg
  • 02.3 Fat emulsions mainly of type oil-in-water, including mixed and/or flavoured products based on fat emulsions — 100 mg/kg
  • 02.4 Fat-based desserts excluding dairy-based dessert products of food category 01.7 — 150 mg/kg
  • 03.0 Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet — 150 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.11 Fruit fillings for pastries — 250 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.4 Canned or bottled (pasteurized) fruit — 200 mg/kg
    • Note 267 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Certain Canned Fruits (CODEX STAN 319-2015) except for use in special holiday packs for canned pears conforming to the standard.
    • Note 653 For use with red fruits only.
    • Note XS17 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for canned applesauce (CXS 17-1981).
    • Note XS60 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for canned raspberries (CXS 60-1981).
    • Note XS62 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for canned strawberries (CXS 62-1981).
    • Note XS242 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for canned stone fruits (CXS 242-2003).
    • Note XS254 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for certain canned citrus fruits (CXS 254-2007).
    • Note XS361 Excluding products conforming to the General standard for canned mixed fruits (CXS 361-2020).
  • 04.1.2.5 — 200 mg/kg
    • Note 679 Except for use at 100 mg/kg in products conforming to the Standard for jams, jellies and marmalades (CXS 296-2009).
  • 04.1.2.6 Fruit-based spreads (e.g. chutney) excluding products of food category — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS160 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Mango Chutney (CODEX STAN 160-1987).
  • 04.1.2.7 Candied fruit — 200 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.8 Fruit preparations, including pulp, purees, fruit toppings and coconut milk — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS240 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Aqueous Coconut Products (CODEX STAN 240-2003).
    • Note XS314R Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Date Paste (CODEX STAN 314R-2013).
  • 04.1.2.9 Fruit-based desserts, incl. fruit-flavoured water-based desserts — 150 mg/kg
  • 04.2.2.3 Vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), and seaweeds in vinegar, oil, brine, or soybean sauce — 500 mg/kg
    • Note XS38 Excluding products conforming to the General Standard for Edible Fungi and Fungus Products (CODEX STAN 38-1981).
    • Note XS66 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Table Olives (CODEX STAN 66-1981).
    • Note XS260 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables (CODEX STAN 260-2007).
    • Note 658 Except for use at 300 mg/kg in products conforming to the Standard for Pickled Cucumbers (Cucumber Pickles) (CXS 115-1981), singly or in combination, with other colours permitted in CXS 115-1981.
  • 04.2.2.4 Canned or bottled (pasteurized) or retort pouch vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), and seaweeds — 200 mg/kg
    • Note XS13 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Preserved Tomatoes (CODEX STAN 13-1981).
    • Note XS38 Excluding products conforming to the General Standard for Edible Fungi and Fungus Products (CODEX STAN 38-1981).
    • Note XS57 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Processed Tomato Concentrates (CODEX STAN 57-1981).
    • Note XS145 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Chestnuts and Canned Chestnut Puree (CODEX STAN 145-1985).
    • Note XS241 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for canned bamboo shoots (CXS 241-2003).
    • Note XS257R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Canned Humus with Tehena (CODEX STAN 257R-2007).
    • Note XS258R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for Canned Foul Medames (CXS 258R-2007).
    • Note 659 Except for use at 20 mg/kg in products conforming to the Standard for Certain Canned Vegetables (CXS 297-2009).
  • 04.2.2.6 Vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweed, and nut and seed pulps and preparations (e.g. vegetable desserts and sauces, candied vegetables) other than food category 04.2.2.5 — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 92 Excluding tomato-based sauces.
    • Note XS38 Excluding products conforming to the General Standard for Edible Fungi and Fungus Products (CODEX STAN 38-1981).
    • Note XS57 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Processed Tomato Concentrates (CODEX STAN 57-1981).
    • Note XS259R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Tehena (CODEX STAN 259R-2007).
    • Note XS308R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for Harissa (Red Hot Pepper Paste) (CXS 308R-2011).
    • Note XS321 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Ginseng Products (CXS 321-2015).
  • 04.2.2.7 Fermented vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera) and seaweed products, excluding fermented soybean products of food categories 06.8.6, 06.8.7, 12.9.1, — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 92 Excluding tomato-based sauces.
    • Note XS38 Excluding products conforming to the General Standard for Edible Fungi and Fungus Products (CODEX STAN 38-1981).
    • Note XS151 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Gari (CXS 151-1985).
    • Note XS223 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Kimchi (CXS 223-2001).
    • Note XS294 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Gochujang (CXS 294-2009).
  • 05.1.3 Cocoa-based spreads, incl. fillings — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS86 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cocoa Butter (CODEX STAN 86-1981).
  • 05.1.4 Cocoa and chocolate products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 183 For use in surface decoration only.
  • 05.1.5 Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products — 100 mg/kg
  • 05.2 Confectionery including hard and soft candy, nougats, etc. other than food categories 05.1, 05.3, and 05.4 — 300 mg/kg
    • Note XS309R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Halawa Tehenia (CODEX STAN 309R-211).
  • 05.3 Chewing gum — 300 mg/kg
  • 05.4 Decorations (e.g. for fine bakery wares), toppings (non-fruit), and sweet sauces — 500 mg/kg
  • 06.3 Breakfast cereals, including rolled oats — 200 mg/kg
  • 06.5 Cereal and starch based desserts (e.g. rice pudding, tapioca pudding) — 150 mg/kg
  • 06.8.1 Soybean-based beverages — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 643 For use only in composite/ flavoured soybean beverages and soybean-based beverages conforming to the Regional Standard for Non-Fermented Soybean Products (Asia) (CXS 322R-2015).
  • 07.1.1.1 Yeast-leavened breads and specialty breads — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.1.1.2 Soda breads — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.1.2 Crackers, excluding sweet crackers — 100 mg/kg
  • 07.1.3 Other ordinary bakery products (e.g. bagels, pita, English muffins) — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.1.4 Bread-type products, including bread stuffing and bread crumbs — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.1.5 Steamed breads and buns — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 201 For use in flavoured products only.
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.1.6 Mixes for bread and ordinary bakery wares — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.2 Fine bakery wares (sweet, salty, savoury) and mixes — 200 mg/kg
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 08.0 Meat and meat products, including poultry and game — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
    • Note XS88 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Corned Beef (CODEX STAN 88-1981).
    • Note XS89 Excluding products conforming to Standard for Luncheon Meat (CODEX STAN 89-1981).
    • Note XS96 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cooked Cured Ham (CODEX STAN 96-1981).
    • Note XS97 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cooked Cured Pork Shoulder (CODEX STAN 97-1981).
    • Note XS98 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cooked Cured Chopped Meat (CODEX STAN 98-1981).
    • Note XS350R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for dried meat (Africa) (CXS 350R-2022).
  • 09.1.1 Fresh fish — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
    • Note 50 For use in fish roe only.
  • 09.1.2 Fresh molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
    • Note XS292 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs (CODEX STAN 292-2008).
    • Note XS312 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live Abalone and for Raw Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312-2013).
    • Note XS315 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 315-2014).
  • 09.2.1 Frozen fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
    • Note XS36 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Finfish, Uneviscerated and Eviscerated (CODEX STAN 36-1981).
    • Note XS92 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Shrimps and Prawns (CODEX STAN 92-1981).
    • Note XS95 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Lobsters (CODEX STAN 95-1981).
    • Note XS165 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Blocks of Fish Fillet, Minced Fish Flesh and Mixtures of Fillets and Minced Fish Flesh (CODEX STAN 165-1989).
    • Note XS190 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets (CODEX STAN 190-1995).
    • Note XS191 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Raw Squid (CODEX STAN 191-1995).
    • Note XS292 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs (CODEX STAN 292-2008).
    • Note XS312 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live Abalone and for Raw Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312-2013).
    • Note XS315 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 315-2014).
  • 09.2.2 Frozen battered fish, fish fillets and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
    • Note XS166 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish Fillets – Breaded or in Batter (CODEX STAN 166-1989).
  • 09.2.3 Frozen minced and creamed fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.2.4.1 Cooked fish and fish products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
  • 09.2.4.2 Cooked molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 100 mg/kg
  • 09.2.4.3 Fried fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.3.1 Fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms, marinated and/or in jelly — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.3.2 Fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms, pickled and/or in brine — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.3.3 Salmon substitutes, caviar and other fish roe products — 500 mg/kg
    • Note XS291 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Sturgeon Caviar (CODEX STAN 291-2010).
  • 09.4 Fully preserved, including canned or fermented fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note XS3 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Salmon (CODEX STAN 3-1981).
    • Note XS37 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Shrimps or Prawns (CODEX STAN 37-1991).
    • Note XS70 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Tuna and Bonito (70-1981).
    • Note XS90 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Crab Meat (CODEX STAN 90-1981).
    • Note XS94 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CODEX STAN 94-1981).
    • Note XS119 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Finfish (CODEX STAN 119-1981).
  • 10.1 Fresh eggs — GMP
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
  • 10.4 Egg-based desserts (e.g. custard) — 150 mg/kg
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 100 mg/kg
  • 12.4 Mustards — 100 mg/kg
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 50 mg/kg
  • 12.6 Sauces and like products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS302 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fish Sauce (CODEX STAN 302-2011).
  • 13.3 Dietetic foods intended for special medical purposes (excluding products of food category 13.1) — 50 mg/kg
    • Note 566 Excluding products conforming to the Guidelines for Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (CXG 95-2022).
  • 13.4 Dietetic formulae for slimming purposes and weight reduction — 50 mg/kg
  • 13.5 Dietetic foods (e.g. supplementary foods for dietary use) excluding products of food categories — 300 mg/kg
  • 13.6 Food supplements — 300 mg/kg
  • 14.1.4 Water-based flavoured drinks, including "sport," “energy,” or "electrolyte" drinks and particulated drinks — 100 mg/kg
  • 14.2.2 Cider and perry — 200 mg/kg
  • 14.2.4 Wines (other than grape) — 200 mg/kg
  • 14.2.6 Distilled spirituous beverages containing more than 15% alcohol — 200 mg/kg
  • 14.2.7 Aromatized alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer, wine and spirituous cooler-type beverages, low-alcoholic refreshers) — 200 mg/kg
  • 15.1 Snacks - potato, cereal, flour or starch based (from roots and tubers, pulses and legumes) — 200 mg/kg
  • 15.2 Processed nuts, including coated nuts and nut mixtures (with e.g. dried fruit) — 100 mg/kg
CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 133and 64 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand—44 no quantity stated
Canada0.1 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 1 GMP, 8 no quantity stated
European Union50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg27 numeric limit, 2 quantum satis
Great Britain50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg31 numeric limit, 5 several limits, 2 quantum satis
Japan—1 no quantity stated
South Korea—1 no quantity stated
United States—2 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg64 numeric limit, 1 GMP

What it is made from

A triarylmethane dye built from petroleum-derived aromatic amines and benzaldehyde intermediates. No animal-derived material is involved.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
3844-45-9
InChIKey
SGHZXLIDFTYFHQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L
PubChem
CID 19700

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

ParameterEuropean UnionJECFA
Assayno less than 85 %no less than 85 %
Leadno more than 2 mg/kgno more than 2 mg/kg
Arsenicno more than 3 mg/kg—
Mercuryno more than 1 mg/kg—
Cadmiumno more than 1 mg/kg—

The two documents state the same figures for every parameter compared here.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 133 Brilliant blue fcf

Brilliant Blue FCF consists essentially of disodium α-(4-(N-ethyl-3-sulfonatobenzylamino) phenyl)-α-(4-N-ethyl-3-sulfonatobenzylamino) cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene) toluene-2-sulfonate and its isomers and subsidiary colouring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate as the principal uncoloured components. Brilliant Blue FCF is described as the sodium salt. The calcium and the potassium salt are also permitted.

Synonyms: CI Food Blue 2

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Colour Index No
42090
Einecs
223-339-8
Chemical name
Disodium α-(4-(N-ethyl-3-sulfonatobenzylamino) phenyl)-α-(4-N-ethyl-3-sulfonatobenzylamino) cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene) toluene-2-sulfonate
Chemical formula
C₃₇H₃₄N₂Na₂O₉S₃
Molecular weight
792,84
Assay
Content not less than 85 % total colouring matters, calculated as the sodium salt [image] 1 630 at ca. 630 nm in aqueous solution
Description
Reddish-blue powder or granules
Appearance of the aqueous solution
Blue

Identification

Spectrometry
Maximum in water at ca. 630 nm

Purity criteria

Water insoluble matter
Not more than 0,2 %
Subsidiary colouring matters
Not more than 6,0 %
Sum of 2-, 3- and 4-formyl benzene sulfonic acids
Not more than 1,5 %
3-((ethyl)(4-sulfophenyl) amino) methyl benzene sulfonic acid
Not more than 0,3 %
Leuco base
Not more than 5,0 %
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines
Not more than 0,01 % (calculated as aniline)
Ether extractable matter
Not more than 0,2 % at pH 7
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium
Not more than 1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 133

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 133 Brilliant Blue FCF

Consists essentially of disodium 3-[ N -ethyl- N -[4-[[4-[ N - ethyl- N -(3- sulfobenzyl)amino]phenyl](2-sulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-ylidene]ammoniomethyl]benzenesulfonate and its isomers together with subsidiary colouring matters, as well as sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate as the principal uncoloured components. It is manufactured by condensing 2-formylbenzenesulfonic acid with a mixture of 3-[( N -ethyl-N -phenylamino)methyl]benzenesulfonic acid and its 2- and 4- isomers to form the leuco base precursor. Oxidation of the leuco base precursor with either chromium or manganese containing compounds produces the dye, which is purified and isolated as the disodium salt. May be converted to the corresponding aluminium lake in which case only the requirements in the General Specifications for Aluminium Lakes of Colouring Matters apply.

Synonyms: INS No. 133, CI Food Blue 2, CI (1975) No. 42090, FD&C Blue No. 1 CI (1975) No.42090; CI Food Blue 2; FD&C Blue No.1

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
1 out of 5 Prepared at the 84th JECFA and published in JECFA Monograph 20 (2017) superseding specifications prepared at the 28th JECFA (1984) and published in FNP 31/1 (1984) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002). An ADI of 0-6 mg/kg bw was established at the 84th JECFA (2017).
Chemical names
Disodium 3-[ N -ethyl- N -[4-[[4-[ N -ethyl- N -(3-sulfobenzyl)amino]phenyl](2-sulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-ylidene]ammoniomethyl]- benzenesulfonate; N -ethyl- N -[4-[[4-[ethyl[(3-sulfophenyl)methyl]amino]phenyl](2-sulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-3-sulfobenzenemethanaminium inner salt, disodium salt; Disodium;2-[[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]amino]phenyl]-[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]azaniumylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene]methyl]benzenesulfonate; Disodium α-(4-(N-ethyl-3-sulfonatobenzylamino)phenyl)-α- (4-(N-ethyl-3-sulfonatobenzylamino)cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene)toluene-2-sulfonate 2 out of 5
C.A.S. number
3844-45-9
Chemical formula
C37H34N2Na2O9S3
Formula weight
792.86
Assay
Not less than 85% total colouring matters
DESCRIPTION
Blue powder or granules
FUNCTIONAL USES
Colour
METHOD OF ASSAY
Determine total colouring matters content by spectrophotometry using Procedure 1 in Volume 4 (under “Specific Methods, Food Colours”) and an appropriate solvent. Using 0.04 M aqueous ammonium acetate as the solvent: absorptivity (a) = 164 L/(g·cm) and wavelength of maximum absorbance = 629 nm.

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4)
Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
Spectrophotometry (Vol. 4)
Maximum wavelength approximately 629 nm Determine the UV-visible absorption spectrum of the sample solution dissolved in water.

Purity criteria

Loss on drying , chloride and sulfate as sodium salts (Vol. 4)
Not more than 15% as total amount Determine chloride as sodium chloride, sulfate as sodium sulfate, and water content (loss on drying at 135°) as 3 out of 5 described in Volume 4 (under “Specific Methods, Food Colours”).
Water insoluble matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.2%
Subsidiary colouring matters
Not more than 6% See description under TESTS
Organic compounds other than colouring matters
Not more than 1.5%, sum of 2-, 3- and 4-formylbenzenesulfonic acids Not more than 0.3% 3-[[ N -ethyl- N -(4-sulfophenyl)amino]methyl]- benzene-sulfonic acid See description under TESTS
Leuco base (Vol. 4)
Not more than 5% Weigh accurately 130±5 mg sample and proceed as directed under Leuco Base in Sulfonated Triarylmethane Colours (Vol. 4) Absorptivity (a) = 164 L/(g·cm) at 629 nm Ratio = 0.971
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.01% calculated as aniline
Ether extractable matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.2%
Lead (Vol. 4)
Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using a method appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”).
Chromium (Vol. 4)
Not more than 50 mg/kg Determine using a method appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”).
Manganese (Vol. 4)
Not more than 100 mg/kg Determine using a method appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method 4 out of 5 described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”).
Test: Subsidiary colouring matters
Determine subsidiary colouring matters content by reversed-phase HPLC (Vol. 4) using the following conditions: - Column: C18 (150 mm x 2.1 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size) - Eluent A: 0.05 M ammonium acetate in water - Eluent B: 0.05 M ammonium acetate in methanol - Injection volume: 2 μl - Column temperature: 40° - Detector: UV-visible/PDA at 629 nm - Flow rate: 0.2 mL/min Gradient: Elution time Eluent A Eluent B (min) (%) (%) 0 90 10 7 60 40 15 52 48 30 45 55 39 30 70 39.1 0 100 44 0 100 44.1 90 10 54 90 10 Standards: Subsidiary colouring matters – synthesized materials Brilliant Blue FCF (C.A.S. No. 3844-45-9) – TCI, Cat. No. F0147 or equivalent (use if subsidiary colouring matter standards are not available) Sample preparation: Weigh accurately 500±5 mg sample and dissolve in 100 mL of water. Dilute the solution, if required, to separate subsidiary colours from the primary colour component. Calculations: 5 out of 5 Construct the relevant standard curves. Integrate all peaks of the chromatogram obtained at 629 nm. If Brilliant Blue FCF is used as the standard, calculate the ratio of the sum of all peaks not corresponding to Brilliant Blue FCF to the sum of all peaks.
Test: Organic compounds other than colouring matters
Determine organic compounds other than colouring matters content by reversed-phase HPLC (Vol. 4) using the above conditions for subsidiary colouring matters except: Detector: UV-visible/PDA at 254 nm Standards: - 2-Formylbenzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt (C.A.S. No. 1008-72-6) – Sigma-Aldrich, Cat. No. 12050 or equivalent (use for quantitating the 2-, 3-, and 4-isomers) - 3-[[ N -ethyl- N -(4-sulfophenyl)amino]methyl]benzenesulfonic acid, calcium salt (C.A.S. No. 5363-53-1, acid form) – Wako, Cat. No. 031-23071 or equivalent Sample preparation: Weigh accurately 500±5 mg sample and dissolve in 100 mL of water. Calculations: Construct the relevant standard curves. Calculate the sum of 2, 3, and 4-formylbenzenesulfonic acids as their sodium salts and 3-[[ N -ethyl- N -(4-sulfophenyl)amino]methyl]benzenesulfonic acid as its sodium salt.

FAO JECFA Monograph 20 (2017)

Every name it appears under

88 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E133

INS number

  • 133

CAS registry number

  • 3844-45-9

As it appears in regulation

  • Brilliant Blue FCF
  • FD&C Blue No. 1

Other names

  • 1206 Blue
  • Acid Blue 9;FD&C Blue No. 1;E133
  • Acid Sky Blue A
  • Aizen Food Blue No. 2
  • Blue 1206
  • Blue FCF
  • blue no. 1
  • Brilliant Blue
  • brilliant blue diammonium salt
  • Brilliant Blue E 133
  • Brilliant Blue FCF
  • Brilliant Blue FCF (Technical Grade)
  • Brilliant Blue FCF supra
  • brilliant blue FCF, diammonium salt
  • Brilliant blue FCF, disodium salt
  • brilliant blue, disodium salt
  • C.I. ACID BLUE 9, DISODIUM SALT
  • Canacert Brilliant Blue FCF
  • CCRIS 97
  • CI Food Blue 2
  • Cosmetic Blue Lake
  • COVACAP BLEU W 6102
  • D&C Blue No. 1
  • Dolkwal Brilliant Blue
  • Dolkwalbrilliantblue
  • E 133
  • Erioglaucin A
  • Erioglaucine disodium salt
  • FD & C Blue no. 1
  • FD&C Blue No. 1
  • FDC Blue No. 1
  • Fenazo Blue XI
  • Food Blue 1
  • Food Blue 2
  • Food Blue Dye No. 1
  • Food Blue No. 1
  • H3R47K3TBD
  • Hexacol Brilliant Blue A
  • HSDB 7972
  • INS NO.133
  • INS-133
  • Intracid Pure Blue L
  • Japan Blue 1
  • Japan Blue No. 1
  • Merantine Blue EG
  • Modr Brilantni FCF
  • Modr Kysela 9
  • Modr Potravinarska 2
  • PPQ093M8HR
  • Usacert Blue No. 1
  • Usacert FD and C Blue No. 1
  • VIBRACOLOR BLUE ABL9

Systematic names

  • Benzenemethanaminium, N-ethyl-N-(4-((4-(ethyl((3-sulfophenyl)methyl)amino)phenyl)(2-sul-fophenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-3-sulfo-, Hydroxide, Inner Salt, Disodium Salt
  • Benzenemethanaminium, N-ethyl-N-(4-((4-(ethyl((3-sulfophenyl)methyl)amino)phenyl)(2-sulfophenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-3-sulfo-, hydroxide, inner salt, disodium salt
  • Benzenemethanaminium, N-ethyl-N-(4-((4-(ethyl((3-sulfophenyl)methyl)amino)phenyl)(2-sulfophenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-3-sulfo-, inner salt, disodium salt
  • Benzenemethanaminium, N-ethyl-N-(4-((4-(ethyl((3-sulfophenyl)methyl)amino)phenyl)(2-sulfophenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-3-sulfo-, inner salt, sodium salt (1:2)
  • Benzenemethanaminium,N-ethyl-N-[4-[[4-[ethyl[(3-sulfophenyl)methyl]amino]phenyl](2-sulfophenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-3-sulfo-, inner salt, disodiumsalt
  • Disodium 2-((4-(ethyl(3-sulfonatobenzyl)amino)phenyl)(4-(ethyl(3-sulfonatobenzyl)iminio)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl)benzenesulfonate
  • disodium;2-[[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]amino]phenyl]-[4-[ethyl-[(3-sulfonatophenyl)methyl]azaniumylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene]methyl]benzenesulfonate
  • Sodium 2-((4-(ethyl(3-sulfonatobenzyl)amino)phenyl)(4-(ethyl(3-sulfonatobenzyl)iminio)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl)benzenesulfonate

The EU re-evaluation programme

Every additive authorised in the EU before 20 January 2009 was put back through EFSA by Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, and this one is named in it. What the Regulation required is below; whether the opinion has since been published is not something this site records.

  • To be evaluated by 31 December 2010. Named in Annex II, Part I, point 2 as “Brilliant Blue FCF”, among the additives given priority within its class.

Hazard reference values

EFSA and JECFA have both set an acceptable daily intake for FD&C Blue No. 1, and they agree: 6 mg/kg bw/day. An acceptable daily intake is a reference value set by a committee, not a threshold above which harm begins. See where the two committees differ.

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADI6 mg/kg bw/day—JECFA2017
ADI6 mg/kg bw/dayconsumersEFSA FEEDAP2013

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2010

    The ANS Panel concluded that the data gave reason to revise the ADI for Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133) and established a new ADI of 6 mg/kg bw/day, down from the SCF's 10 mg/kg bw/day. Refined intake estimates were below the ADI, while the less refined Tier 2 estimate exceeded it for high-consuming children.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 133?
E 133 is FD&C Blue No. 1. FD&C Blue No. 1, known internationally as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic blue dye used in drinks, confectionery, ice cream and icings, often blended with yellow dyes to make greens.
What is FD&C Blue No. 1 used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role Canada, Codex, the EU and the US assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is FD&C Blue No. 1 permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, the US and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is FD&C Blue No. 1 vegan?
Yes. FD&C Blue No. 1 is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • ca retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jp retrieved 2026-10-18
  • kr retrieved 2026-10-18
  • ecfr retrieved 2026-10-17
  • gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

Follow changes to FD&C Blue No. 1:Atom feed — regulatory events, and any change the weekly refresh detects in its provisions.