Patent Blue V

E number E131CAS 3536-49-0

Listed as a colour by the EU.

Listed as colours (EU)
Chemical structure of Patent Blue V, from PubChem compound 77073
Structure from PubChem CID 77073 (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.

Patent Blue V is a synthetic blue dye used in a range of foods, often combined with yellows to make greens. Outside food it is used in medicine to trace lymph vessels.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Patent Blue V 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 ZealandNo listed food uses foundThis site has not matched this substance to any food use on this jurisdiction’s list of authorised food additives. A food additive may be used only in foods that list names. Flavourings, enzymes, processing aids and added nutrients are regulated separately and do not appear on it.
CanadaHealth CanadaNo listing matchedHealth Canada’s lists name additives without E or INS numbers, so this site matches them by exact name. A substance listed there under a name this site does not recognise has no row here.
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

28 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.
  • 8.3.3 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 27 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

37 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 — 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.
  • 4.2.4.1 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.
  • 8.3.3 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 36 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyNo listing matchedThis site imports Part III of South Korea’s Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, matched by CAS number, then INS number, then exact name. Mixed preparations and sanitisers are not imported, and an entry whose identifiers disagreed with a page’s is held for review, so an empty row does not show that South Korea does not permit the substance.
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFANot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.

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.

European Union50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg27 numeric limit, 1 quantum satis
Great Britain50 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg32 numeric limit, 4 several limits, 1 quantum satis

What it is made from

A synthetic triarylmethane dye produced from petroleum-derived aromatic intermediates.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
3536-49-0
InChIKey
RTMBGDBBDQKNNZ-UHFFFAOYSA-L
PubChem
CID 77073

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 131 Patent blue v

Patent Blue V consists essentially of the calcium or sodium compound of [4-(α-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl-methylidene)2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene] diethylammonium hydroxide inner salt and subsidiary colouring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate and/or calcium sulphate as the principal uncoloured components. The potassium salt is also permitted.

Synonyms: CI Food Blue 5

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Colour Index No
42051
Einecs
222-573-8
Chemical name
The calcium or sodium compound of [4-(α-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl-methylidene) 2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene] diethyl-ammonium hydroxide inner salt
Chemical formula
Calcium compound: C₂₇H₃₁N₂O₇S₂Ca1/2 Sodium compound: C₂₇H₃₁N₂O₇S₂Na
Molecular weight
Calcium compound: 579,72 Sodium compound: 582,67
Assay
Content not less than 85 % total colouring matters, calculated as the sodium salt [image] 2 000 at ca. 638 nm in aqueous solution at pH 5
Description
Dark blue powder or granules
Appearance of the aqueous solution
Blue

Identification

Spectrometry
Maximum in water at 638 nm at pH 5

Purity criteria

Water insoluble matter
Not more than 0,2 %
Subsidiary colouring matters
Not more than 2,0 %
3-hydroxy benzaldehyde
[image] | Total not more than 0,5 % 3-hydroxy benzoic acid 3-hydroxy-4-sulfobenzoic acid N,N-diethylamino benzene sulfonic acid
Leuco base
Not more than 4,0 %
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines
Not more than 0,01 % (calculated as aniline)
Ether extractable matter
From a solution of pH 5 not more than 0,2 %
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 131

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 131 Patent Blue V

Patent Blue V consists essentially of the calcium or sodium salt of 2-[(4-diethylaminophenyl)(4-diethylimino-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)methyl]- 4-hydroxy-1,5-benzenedisulfonate and subsidiary colouring matters. Water, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, and calcium sulfate can be present as the principal uncoloured components. Patent Blue V may be converted to the corresponding aluminium lake, in which case only the General Specifications for Aluminium Lakes of Colouring Matters applies.

Synonyms: CI Food Blue 5, Patent Blue 5; CI (1975) No. 42051; INS No. 131 CI Food Blue 5; Patent Blue 5

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
Prepared at the 69 th JECFA (2008), published in FAO JECFA Monographs 5 (2008), superseding specifications prepared at the 31st JECFA (1987), published in the combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). No ADI could be allocated at the 26 th JECFA (1982).
Chemical names
Calcium or sodium salt of 2-[(4-diethylaminophenyl)(4-diethylimino-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,5-benzene-disulfonate; Calcium or sodium salt of [4-[ alpha -(4-diethyl-aminophenyl)-5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfonatophenylmethylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene] diethylammonium hydroxide inner salt
C.A.S. number
3536-49-0
Chemical formula
Calcium salt: C27H31N2O7S2½Ca Sodium salt: C27H31N2O7S2Na
Structural formula
where X = ½Ca for the calcium salt X = Na for the sodium salt
Formula weight
½Calcium salt: 579.14 Sodium salt: 582.15
Assay
Not less than 85% total colouring matter
DESCRIPTION
Blue powder or granules
FUNCTIONAL USES
Colour
METHOD OF ASSAY
Proceed as directed under Colouring Matters Content by Titration with Titanous Chloride (Volume 4) , under Food Colours, Colouring Matters ) , using the following: Weight of sample: 1.3-1.4 g Buffer: 15 g sodium hydrogen tartrate Weight ( D ) of colouring matters equivalent to 1.00 ml of 0.1 N TiCl3: 28.98 mg of the calcium salt 29.13 mg of the sodium salt.

Identification

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

Purity criteria

Water content (Loss on drying) (Vol. 4)
Not more than 15% together with chloride and sulfate calculated as sodium salts
Water-insoluble matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.5%
Lead (Vol. 4)
Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using an AAS/ICP-AES technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the methods described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”).
Chromium (Vol. 4)
Not more than 50 mg/kg Determine using an AAS/ICP-AES technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the methods described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”)
Subsidiary colouring matter content (Vol. 4)
Not more than 2% Use the following conditions: Chromatography solvent: n-butanol:water:ethanol:ammonia (s.g. 0.880) (600:264:135:6) Height of ascent of solvent front: approximately 17 cm
Organic compounds other than colouring matters
Not more than 0.5% (Sum of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-sulfonatobenzoic acid and N,N - diethylaminobenzenesulfonic acids) See description under TESTS
Leuco base (Vol. 4)
Not more than 4% Proceed as directed in Volume 4 using the following parameters: - Sample: 110 mg - Ratio of the formula weight of the colouring matter to the formula weight of its leuco base: Sodium salt: 582.15/606.66 = 0.95960 ½Calcium salt: 579.14/600.76 = 0.96401 - Absorptivity: 0.200 l/(mg·cm) at 638 nm
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.01%, calculated as aniline
Ether-extractable matter (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.2%
Test: Organic compounds other than colouring matters (Vol. 4)
Proceed as directed under Determination by High Performance Liquid Chromatography using the following conditions: Instrument: High Performance Liquid Chromatograph fitted with a gradient elution accessory Detector: A UV detector monitored at 254 nm Column: 250 x 4 mm (Kartusche). LiChrosorb RP 18, 7 μm or equivalent. Mobile phase: (A) Acetate buffer pH 4.6: water (10% w/v) - prepared using 1 M sodium hydroxide, 1 M acetic acid and water (5:10:35) (B) Acetonitrile Gradient Min % (A) % (B) Flow rate (ml/min) 0 85 15 1 12 85 15 1 25 20 80 2 28 20 80 2 40 85 15 1

FAO JECFA Monograph 5 (2008)

Every name it appears under

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

E number

  • E131

CAS registry number

  • 3536-49-0

As it appears in regulation

  • Patent Blue V

Other names

  • Acid blue 3
  • Acid Blue 3 calcium
  • Acid Blue 3 calcium salt
  • Acidal Carmine V
  • Alphazurine 2 G (C.I. 42051)
  • ARIAVIT PATENT BLUE V
  • Bleu patente V [French]
  • Blue ZN 3
  • C.I. Acid Blue 3
  • C.I. Acid Blue 3, calcium salt (2:1)
  • C.I. Food Blue 5
  • C.I.Acid Blue 3 (C.I.42051)
  • Carmine Blue V
  • CI FOOD BLUE 5
  • COGILOR BLUE 517.11
  • Dai-ei Acid Pure Blue VX
  • E 131
  • Epitope ID:131791
  • INS NO.131
  • INS-131
  • L-Blau 3 [German]
  • m-Hydroxytetraethyldiaminotriphenylcarbinol anhydride disulfonic acid calcium salt
  • Merantine Blue V
  • Mitsui Acid Pure Blue VX
  • New Patent Blue A-CE Extra
  • New Patent Blue Extra Pure A
  • Patent Blue 5
  • Patent Blue V
  • PATENT BLUE V (E 131)
  • PATENT BLUE V (MART.)
  • Patent Blue V and L
  • Patent Blue V calcium salt (C.I. 42051)
  • Patent blue V calcium salt (C.I. 42051), extra pure
  • Patent Blue V calcium salt, analytical standard
  • PATENT BLUE V CI 42051 E131 [WHO-DD]
  • Patent Blue V hemicalcium salt
  • Schultz No. 826
  • Solar Pure Blue VX
  • VITASYN PATENT BLUE V 50
  • VITASYN PATENT BLUE V 85
  • XYLENE BLUE V

Systematic names

  • Bis(hydrogen (4-(4-(diethylamino)-5'-hydroxy-2',4'-disulphonatobenzhydrylidene)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)diethylammonium), calcium salt
  • Calcium 4-((4-(diethylamino)phenyl)(4-(diethyliminio)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl)-6-hydroxybenzene-1,3-disulfonate
  • calcium 4-[[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]-(4-diethylazaniumylidenecyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl]-6-hydroxybenzene-1,3-disulfonate
  • calcium bis(4-{[4-(diethylamino)phenyl][4-(diethyliminio)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene]methyl}-6-hydroxybenzene-1,3-disulfonate)
  • calcium;4-[[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]-(4-diethylazaniumylidenecyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl]-6-hydroxybenzene-1,3-disulonate
  • Ethanaminium, N-(4-((4-(diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methyl- ene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-ethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, calcium salt (2:1)
  • Ethanaminium, N-(4-((4-(diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methyl-ene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-ethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, calcium salt (2:1)
  • Ethanaminium, N-(4-((4-(diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-ethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, calcium salt (2:1)
  • Ethanaminium, N-(4-((4-(diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-ethyl-, inner salt, calcium salt (2:1)
  • N-(4-((4-(Diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methyl- ene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-ethylethanaminium, hydroxide, inner salt, calcium salt (2:1)
  • N-(4-((4-(Diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methyl-ene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-ethylethanaminium, hydroxide, inner salt, calcium salt (2:1)
  • N-(4-((4-(diethylamino)phenyl)(5-hydroxy-2,4-disulfophenyl)methylene)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)-N-ethylethanaminium

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 “Patent Blue V”, among the additives given priority within its class.

Hazard reference values

EFSA and JECFA have both assessed Patent Blue V and their conclusions are not two comparable figures — EFSA records 5 mg/kg bw/day, JECFA not allocated. An acceptable daily intake is a reference value set by a committee, not a threshold above which harm begins. “Not specified”, “not limited” and “not allocated” are conclusions, not missing data, and they are shown in the words each body used rather than reduced to a number. 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/dayconsumersEFSA FEEDAP2013
ADInot allocated—JECFA1982

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 2013

    The ANS Panel concluded that the data provided a rationale for redefining the ADI for Patent Blue V (E 131) and set it at 5 mg/kg bw/day (the SCF value was 15 mg/kg bw/day). Exposure at maximum permitted levels exceeded this ADI for high-consuming toddlers and children, but estimates at maximum reported use levels were below it for all groups.

    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 131?
E 131 is Patent Blue V. Patent Blue V is a synthetic blue dye used in a range of foods, often combined with yellows to make greens. Outside food it is used in medicine to trace lymph vessels.
What is Patent Blue V used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role the EU assigns it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Patent Blue V permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, the EU and Great Britain 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 Patent Blue V vegan?
Yes. Patent Blue V is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • 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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