FD&C Blue No. 2

E number E132INS 132CAS 860-22-0

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

Listed as colours (CA, EU, US, Codex)
Chemical structure of FD&C Blue No. 2, from PubChem compound 2723854
Structure from PubChem CID 2723854 (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. 2, known internationally as indigotine or indigo carmine, is a synthetic blue dye used in confectionery, baked goods and pet food. It is the synthetic relative of indigo, the dye used on denim.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of FD&C Blue No. 2 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

7 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 300 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, amaranth, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF and 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 I.1(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 300 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the total combined amount of brilliant blue FCF and 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 I.1(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 300 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF and 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 I.1(c)
  • In: Concentrated (naming the fruit) juice, except frozen concentrated orange juice. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the juice as consumed. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, 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 and 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 I.1(d)
  • In: Ice cream mix. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the ice cream. If used in any combination with allura red, amaranth, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, 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 and 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 I.1(d.1)
  • In: Ice milk mix. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the ice milk. If used in any combination with allura red, amaranth, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, 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 and 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 I.1(d.2)
  • In: Unstandardized foods. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 ppm. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, 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 I.1(e)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3)and 6 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

24 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.
  • 4.2.4.1 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.
  • 8.3.3 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 23 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

33 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.
  • 4.2.4.1 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.
  • 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.
  • 8.3.3 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 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)and 32 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyPermitted, with conditions
Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 227, 食用青色二号（別名インジゴカルミン）及びそのアルミニウムレーキ (“Food Blue No. …

Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 227, 食用青色二号（別名インジゴカルミン）及びそのアルミニウムレーキ (“Food Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine) and Food Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake” in the unofficial English translation; listed member: Food Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine)). 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2号: (1) [must not be used in the foods stated] “食用青色2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), 식용색소청색제2호 (“Food Blue No.2”, the English the Code prints beside it); 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 식용색소청색제2호알루미늄레이크 (“Food Blue No.2 Aluminium Lake”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 식용색소청색제2호: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 식용색소청색제2호: (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] “식용색소청색제2호는 아래의 식품에 한하여 사용하여야 한다. 다만, 다른 식용색소와 병용할 때에는 III. 1. 1) (4)의 규정에 따라 사용한다. 식용색소청색제2호의 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. 기타 코코아가공품, 초콜릿류 : 0.45g/kg 이하 7. 기타잼, 기타설탕 : 0.3g/kg 이하 8. 소시지류 : 0.1g/kg 이하 9. 어육소시지 : 0.3g/kg 이하 10. 과·채음료, 기타음료 : 0.1g/kg 이하(다만, 희석하여 음용하는 제품에 있어서는 희석한 것으로서) 11. 향신료조제품[고추냉이(와사비)가공품 및 겨자가공품에 한함] : 0.3g/kg 이하 12. 절임류(밀봉 및 가열살균 또는 멸균처리한 제품에 한함. 다만, 단무지는 제외) : 0.3g/kg 이하 13. 주류(탁주, 약주, 소주, 주정을 첨가하지 않은 청주 제외) : 0.3g/kg 이하 14. 곡류가공품 : 0.2g/kg 이하 15. 당류가공품 : 0.3g/kg 이하 16. 기타가공품, 유함유가공품 : 0.45g/kg 이하 17. 건강기능식품(정제의 제피 또는 캡슐에 한함), 캡슐류 : 0.3g/kg 이하(색소의 사용량은 총 중량 기준으로 적용) 18. 아이스크림류, 아이스크림믹스류 : 0.15g/kg 이하” Main use (주용도) of 식용색소청색제2호알루미늄레이크: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 식용색소청색제2호알루미늄레이크: (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] “식용색소청색제2호알루미늄레이크는 아래의 식품에 한하여 사용하여야 한다. 다만, 다른 식용색소와 병용할 때에는 III. 1. 1) (4)의 규정에 따라 사용한다. 식용색소청색제2호알루미늄레이크의 사용량은 식용색소청색제2호로서 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. 기타 코코아가공품, 초콜릿류 : 0.45g/kg 이하 7. 기타잼, 기타설탕 : 0.3g/kg 이하 8. 소시지류 : 0.1g/kg 이하 9. 어육소시지 : 0.3g/kg 이하 10. 과·채음료, 기타음료 : 0.1g/kg 이하(다만, 희석하여 음용하는 제품에 있어서는 희석한 것으로서) 11. 향신료조제품[고추냉이(와사비)가공품 및 겨자가공품에 한함] : 0.3g/kg 이하 12. 절임류(밀봉 및 가열살균 또는 멸균처리한 제품에 한함. 다만, 단무지는 제외) : 0.3g/kg 이하 13. 주류(탁주, 약주, 소주, 주정을 첨가하지 않은 청주 제외) : 0.3g/kg 이하 14. 곡류가공품 : 0.2g/kg 이하 15. 당류가공품 : 0.3g/kg 이하 16. 기타가공품, 유함유가공품 : 0.45g/kg 이하 17. 건강기능식품(정제의 제피 또는 캡슐에 한함), 캡슐류 : 0.3g/kg 이하(색소의 사용량은 총 중량 기준으로 적용) 18. 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 74.102
  • 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 82.102
21 CFR 74.102and 1 further provisionretrieved 2026-10-17
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

51 food categories

highest permitted level 450 mg/kg

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.1.4 Flavoured Fluid Milk Drinks — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 52 Excluding chocolate milk.
    • Note 402 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) at 100 mg/kg.
  • 01.6.1 Unripened cheese — 200 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note XS221 Excluding products conforming to the Group Standard for Unripened Cheese including Fresh Cheese (CXS 221-2001).
    • Note XS262 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Mozzarella (CODEX STAN 262-2006).
    • Note XS273 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cottage Cheese (CXS 273-1968).
    • Note XS275 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream Cheese (CXS 275-1973).
  • 01.6.2.2 Rind of ripened cheese — 100 mg/kg
  • 01.6.4.2 Flavoured processed cheese, including containing fruit, vegetables, meat, etc. — 100 mg/kg
  • 01.6.5 Cheese analogues — 200 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
    • Note 402 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) at 100 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 — 100 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.5 — 300 mg/kg
    • Note XS296 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Jams, Jellies and Marmalades (CODEX STAN 296-2009).
  • 04.1.2.6 Fruit-based spreads (e.g. chutney) excluding products of food category — 200 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 — 150 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 XS115 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Pickled Cucumbers (Cucumber Pickles) (CODEX STAN 115-1981).
    • Note XS260 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables (CODEX STAN 260-2007).
  • 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, — 200 mg/kg
    • 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).
  • 05.1.4 Cocoa and chocolate products — 450 mg/kg
    • Note 183 For use in surface decoration only.
  • 05.1.5 Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products — 300 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 — 300 mg/kg
  • 06.5 Cereal and starch based desserts (e.g. rice pudding, tapioca pudding) — 150 mg/kg
  • 06.8.1 Soybean-based beverages — 150 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).
  • 07.2 Fine bakery wares (sweet, salty, savoury) and mixes — 200 mg/kg
  • 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.
  • 09.2.1 Frozen fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 300 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).
  • 09.2.4.1 Cooked fish and fish products — 300 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 — 250 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 — 300 mg/kg
    • Note XS291 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Sturgeon Caviar (CODEX STAN 291-2010).
  • 09.3.4 Semi-preserved fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms (e.g. fish paste), excluding products of food categories 09.3.1 - 09.3.3 — 290 mg/kg
  • 09.4 Fully preserved, including canned or fermented fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 300 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 — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
    • Note 161 Subject to national legislation of the importing country aimed, in particular, at consistency with Section 3.2 of the Preamble.
  • 10.4 Egg-based desserts (e.g. custard) — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 161 Subject to national legislation of the importing country aimed, in particular, at consistency with Section 3.2 of the Preamble.
  • 11.4 Other sugars and syrups (e.g. xylose, maple syrup, sugar toppings) — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 161 Subject to national legislation of the importing country aimed, in particular, at consistency with Section 3.2 of the Preamble.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 300 mg/kg
  • 12.4 Mustards — 300 mg/kg
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 50 mg/kg
  • 12.6 Sauces and like products — 300 mg/kg
    • Note XS302 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fish Sauce (CODEX STAN 302-2011).
    • Note XS306 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Chilli Sauce (CXS 306-2011).
  • 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 — 300 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 132and 50 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
Canada—7 no quantity stated
European Union50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg23 numeric limit, 1 quantum satis
Great Britain50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg28 numeric limit, 4 several limits, 1 quantum satis
Japan—1 no quantity stated
South Korea—1 no quantity stated
United States—2 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius50 mg/kg – 450 mg/kg51 numeric limit

What it is made from

Made by sulfonating indigo, which is itself now produced synthetically from petroleum-derived aniline rather than extracted from the indigo plant. No animal material is involved.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
860-22-0
InChIKey
JFVXEJADITYJHK-UHFFFAOYSA-L
PubChem
CID 2723854

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 132 Indigotine, indigo carmine

Indigotine consists essentially of a mixture of disodium 3,3′dioxo-2,2′-bi-indolylidene-5,5′-disulfonate, and disodium 3,3′-dioxo-2,2′-bi-indolylidene-5,7′-disulfonate and subsidiary colouring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate as the principal uncoloured components. Indigotine is described as the sodium salt. The calcium and the potassium salt are also permitted. Indigo carmine is obtained by sulphonation of indigo. This is accomplished by heating indigo (or indigo paste) in the presence of sulphuric acid. The dye is isolated and subjected to purification procedures.

Synonyms: CI Food Blue 1

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Colour Index No
73015
Einecs
212-728-8
Chemical name
Disodium 3,3′-dioxo-2,2′-bi-indolylidene-5,5′-disulfonate
Chemical formula
C₁₆H₈N₂Na₂O₈S₂
Molecular weight
466,36
Assay
Content not less than 85 % total colouring matters, calculated as the sodium salt; disodium 3,3′-dioxo-2,2′-bi-indolylidene-5,7′-disulfonate: not more than 18 % [image] 480 at ca. 610 nm in aqueous solution
Description
Dark-blue powder or granules
Appearance of the aqueous solution
Blue

Identification

Spectrometry
Maximum in water at ca. 610 nm

Purity criteria

Water insoluble matter
Not more than 0,2 %
Subsidiary colouring matters
Excluding disodium 3,3′-dioxo-2,2′-bi-indolylidene-5,7′-disulfonate: not more than 1,0 %
Isatin-5-sulfonic acid
[image] | Total not more than 0,5 % 5-sulfoanthranilic acid Anthranilic acid
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines
Not more than 0,01 % (calculated as aniline)
Ether extractable matter
Not more than 0,2 % under neutral conditions
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 132

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 132 Indigotine

Indigotine consists of a mixture of disodium 3,3'-dioxo-[delta2,2'-biindoline]-5,5'-disulfonate and disodium 3,3'- dioxo-[delta2,2'-biindoline]-5,7'-disulfonate and subsidiary colouring matters. Sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate are the principal uncoloured components. Indigotine is manufactured by heating indigo in the presence of sulfuric acid. The indigo (or indigo paste) is manufactured by the fusion of N-phenylglycine (prepared from aniline and formaldehyde) in a molten mixture of sodamide and sodium and potassium hydroxides under ammonia pressure. It is isolated and subjected to purification procedures prior to sulfonation. Indigotine 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. 132, CI Food Blue 1, CI (1975) No. 73015, Indigo Carmine, Food Blue No. 2, FD&C Blue No. 2 CI (1975) No. 73015; CI Food Blue 1; FD&C Blue No. 2; Indigo Carmine

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
2 out of 6 Prepared at the 86th JECFA and published in JECFA Monograph 22 (2018) superseding specifications prepared at the 28th JECFA (1984), published in FNP 31/1 (1984) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002). An ADI of 0-5 mg/kg bw was established at the 18th JECFA (1974) and confirmed at the 86th JECFA (2018).
Chemical names
Disodium 3,3'-dioxo-[delta2,2'-biindoline]-5,5'-disulfonate Disodium (2E)-3-oxo-2-(3-oxo-5-sulfonato-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-2-ylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-sulfonate Disodium;(2E)-3-oxo-2-(3-oxo-5-sulfonato-1H-indol-2-ylidene)-1H-indole-5-sulfonate
C.A.S. number
860-22-0 (5,5' isomer)
Chemical formula
C16H8N2Na2O8S2
Formula weight
466.36
Assay
Not less than 85% total colouring matters Not more than 18% of disodium 3,3'-dioxo-[delta2,2'- biindoline]-5,7'-disulfonate
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. Analyse immediately after preparation. Using water as the solvent: absorptivity ( 𝑎𝑎 ) = 48.0 𝑙𝑙 /( 𝑔𝑔 × 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 ) wavelength of maximum absorbance = 610 nm. Determine isomer content by HPLC using the test for subsidiary colouring matters.

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4)
Soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Spectrophotometry (Vol. 4)
Maximum wavelength approximately 610 nm Determine the UV-visible absorption spectrum of the sample dissolved in water.

Purity criteria

Loss on drying, chloride and sulfate as sodium salts (Vol. 4)
Not more than 15% Determine chloride as sodium chloride, sulfate as sodium sulfate, and loss on drying (135°, 6 h) as described in Volume 4 (under “Specific Methods, Food Colours”).
Water insoluble 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 4 out of 6 described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”).
Subsidiary colouring matters
Not more than 18% disodium 3,3'-dioxo-[delta2,2'- biindoline]-5,7'-disulfonate (isomeric subsidiary colouring matter) Not more than 1% other subsidiary colouring matters See description under TESTS
Organic compounds other than colouring matters
Not more than 0.5% of sum of isatin-5-sulfonic acid, 5-sulfoanthranilic acid, and anthranilic acid See description under TESTS
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.01% calculated as aniline
Ether extractable matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.2% Weigh accurately about 2 g sample instead of the 5 g stated in the general methods
Test: Subsidiary colouring matters
Determine subsidiary colouring matters content by reversed-phase HPLC (Vol. 4) using the following conditions: - Column: C18 (250 mm x 4 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size) - Eluent A: 0.2 M ammonium acetate in water - Eluent B: acetonitrile - Injection volume: 20 μl - Column temperature: ambient - Detector: UV-visible/diode array at 610 nm - Flow rate: 1.0 ml/min Gradient: Elution time Eluent A (%) Eluent B (%) (min) 0 100 0 20.0 40 60 5 out of 6 30.0 40 60 32.0 100 0 40.0 100 0 Reagents: HPLC grade Standards: - Indigotine disodium salt (5,7′ isomer) (isomeric subsidiary colour) (C.A.S. 27414-68-2) – Angene Chemical, Cat. No. AGN-PC-0R372R or equivalent - Sodium indigo sulfonate monosodium salt (monosulfonated subsidiary colour) (C.A.S. 27414-69-3) – Atomax Chemicals Co., Ltd., Cat No. AM27414693 or equivalent - Trisodium indigo- 5,5′,7′ -trisulfonate - (trisulfonated subsidiary colour), potassium salt (C.A.S. 67627-18-3) – Sigma-Aldrich, Cat No. 234087 or equivalent - Indigotine (C.A.S. No. 860-22-0) – TCI, Cat. No. F0148 or equivalent (use if subsidiary colouring matter standards are not available) Prepare standard solutions as required. Sample preparation: Weigh accurately 100±2 mg sample and dissolve in 100 ml of water. Dilute the solution, if required, to separate subsidiary colours from the primary colour component in order to improve their resolution. Analyze immediately after preparation. Calculations: Construct the relevant standard curves. Integrate all peaks of the chromatogram obtained at 610 nm. If Indigotine is used as a standard, calculate the ratio of the sum of all peaks not corresponding to Indigotine 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 following conditions: - Column: Luna C18 (250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size) or equivalent - Eluent A: 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water - Eluent B: acetonitrile - Injection volume: 20 μl - Column temperature: 25° - Detector: UV-visible/diode array at 244 nm - Flow rate: 1.0 ml/min 6 out of 6 Gradient: Elution time Eluent A (%) Eluent B (%) (min) 0 100 0 15 80 20 20 0 100 22 0 100 22.1 100 0 32 100 0 Reagents: HPLC grade Standards: - Isatin-5-sulfonic acid sodium salt dihydrate (C.A.S. 207399-16-4) – Sigma-Aldrich Cat. No. 58245 or equivalent - 5-Sulfoanthranilic acid (2-amino-5-sulfobenzoic acid) (C.A.S. 3577-63-7) – TCI Cat No. S0802 or equivalent - Anthranilic acid (C.A.S. 118-92-3) – Sigma-Aldrich Cat No. A89855 or equivalent Prepare standard solutions as required. Sample preparation: Weigh accurately 100±2 mg sample and dissolve in 100 ml of water. Analyse immediately after preparation. Calculations: Construct the relevant standard curves. Integrate the chromatogram peaks obtained at 244 nm.

FAO JECFA Monograph 22 (2018)

INS 142 Green S

Consists essentially of sodium N-[4-[[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl](2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)-methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-N-methylmethanaminium and subsidiary colouring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate as the principal uncoloured compounds. May be converted to the corresponding aluminium lake, in which case only the General Specifications for Aluminium Lakes .

Synonyms: CI Food Green 4, Food Green S, CI (1975) No. 44090, INS No. 142 CI (1975) No. 44090; CI Food Green 4; Food Green S

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
Prepared at the 28th JECFA (1984), published in FNP 31/1 (1984) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59 th JECFA (2002). No ADI was allocated at the 18 th JECFA (1974).
Chemical names
Sodium N-[4-[[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl](2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphtalenyl)-methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-N-methyl-methanaminium; Sodium 5-[4-dimethylamino-I-(4-dimethyliminiocyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene) benzyl]-6-hydroxy-7-sulfonato-naphthalene-2-sulfonate (alternative chemical name)
C.A.S. number
860-22-0
Chemical formula
C 27 H 25 N 2 NaO 7 S 2
Formula weight
576.63
Assay
Not less than 80% total colouring matter
DESCRIPTION
Dark green powder or granules
FUNCTIONAL USES
Colour
METHOD OF ASSAY
Proceed as directed under Total Content by Titration with Titanous Chloride (see Volume 4) , using the following: Weight of sample: 1.4-1.5 g; Buffer: 15 g sodium hydrogen tartrate Weight (D) of colouring matters equivalent to 1.00 ml 0.1 N TiCl 3 : 28.83 mg

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4)
Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
Identification of colouring matters (Vol. 4)
Passes test

Purity criteria

Loss on drying at 135º (Vol. 4)
Not more than 20% together with chloride and sulfate calculated as sodium salts
Water insoluble matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.2%
Lead (Vol. 4)
Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using an atomic absorption technique 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, “Instrumental Methods.”
Chromium (Vol. 4)
Not more than 50 mg/kg
Subsidiary colouring matters (Vol. 4)
Not more than 1% Use the following conditions: Developing solvent: No. 2 Height of ascent of solvent front: approximately 17 cm
Organic compounds other than colouring matters (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.1% of 4,4'-Bis (dimethylamino) benzhydryl alcohol Not more than 0.1% of 4,4'-Bis (dimethylamino) benzophenone Not more than 0.2% of 3-Hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid Use liquid chromatography under the following conditions: HPLC elution gradient: 2 to 100% at 2% per min (linear)
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.01% calculated as aniline
Leuco base (Vol. 4)
Not more than 5.0% Weigh accurately 110±5 mg of sample and proceed as directed under Leuco Base in Sulfonated Triarylmethane Colours Absorptivity: (a) = 0.1725 mg L -1 cm -1 at approximately 634 nm Ratio = 0.9600
Ether extractable matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.2%

FAO JECFA Monograph 1 (2006)

Every name it appears under

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

E number

  • E132

INS number

  • 132

CAS registry number

  • 860-22-0

As it appears in regulation

  • FD&C Blue No. 2
  • Indigotine, Indigo carmine

Other names

  • Acid Blue 74
  • Acid Blue W
  • Acid Leather Blue IC
  • Airedale Blue IN
  • Amacid Brilliant Blue
  • Aniline Carmine powder
  • Atul Indigo Carmine
  • BLUDIGO
  • Bucacid indigotine B
  • C.I. ACID BLUE 74
  • C.I. Food Blue 1
  • C.I. Natural Blue 2
  • Canacert Indigo Carmine
  • CI Food Blue 1
  • Cilefa Blue R
  • disodium 3,3′-dioxo-2,2′-bi-indolylidene-5,5′-disulfonate
  • Disodium 5,5'-disulfoindigo
  • Dolkwal Indigo Carmine
  • E 132
  • Edicol Supra Blue X
  • FD & C blue no. 2
  • FD and C Blue No. 2
  • FD&C Blue No. 2
  • Food Blue No. 2
  • Grape Blue A
  • Grape Blue A Geigy
  • HD Indigo Carmine
  • Hexacert Blue No. 2
  • Holunder p-ac-5
  • HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH INDIGOTINE (INDIGO CARMINE)
  • Indigo carmine
  • Indigo Carmine A
  • Indigo Carmine AC
  • Indigo Carmine BP
  • Indigo Carmine Powder
  • Indigo Carmine X
  • Indigo carmine-
  • Indigocarmin
  • indigocarmine
  • Indigotin
  • Indigotin I
  • Indigotindisulfonate sodium
  • Indigotine
  • Indigotine (Indigo carmine)
  • Indigotine 85%
  • Indigotine B
  • Indigotine Blue LZ
  • Indigotine Conc. Powder
  • Indigotine disodium salt
  • Indigotine I
  • Indigotine IA
  • Indigotine Lake
  • Indigotine N
  • Indocarmine F
  • Intense Blue
  • Maple Indigo Carmine
  • Mitsui Indigo Carmine
  • Murabba
  • Sachsischblau
  • San-ei Indigo Carmine
  • Sodium 3,3'-dioxo-[2,2'-biindolinylidene]-5,5'-disulfonate
  • Sodium indigo-5,5'-bisulfonate
  • Sodium indigotindisulfonate
  • Soluble Indigo
  • Usacert Blue No. 2

Systematic names

  • disodium;(2E)-3-oxo-2-(3-oxo-5-sulfonato-1H-indol-2-ylidene)-1H-indole-5-sulfonate

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 “Indigotine, Indigo carmine”, 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. 2, and they agree: 5 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
ADI5 mg/kg bw/day—JECFA2018
ADI5 mg/kg bw/dayconsumersEFSAnot identified in the dataset

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 2023

    In a follow-up, the FAF Panel found that a new study did not confirm the testicular effects previously reported for indigo carmine (E 132), and confirmed the ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day for material meeting revised specifications (minimum 85% colouring matter). It concluded there is no safety concern at reported use levels and recommended lower limits for toxic elements.

    Source document

  2. EFSA 2014

    The ANS Panel concluded that Indigo Carmine (E 132) is poorly absorbed and raises no genotoxicity concern, and considered the ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day applicable to material of the purity and manufacturing process used in studies without testicular effects. It said any extension to lower-purity material would need new data addressing a reported testicular effect, and noted exposure at maximum permitted levels exceeded the ADI for high-consuming toddlers and children but not in estimates based on usage data.

    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 132?
E 132 is FD&C Blue No. 2. FD&C Blue No. 2, known internationally as indigotine or indigo carmine, is a synthetic blue dye used in confectionery, baked goods and pet food. It is the synthetic relative of indigo, the dye used on denim.
What is FD&C Blue No. 2 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. 2 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. 2 vegan?
Yes. FD&C Blue No. 2 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.

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