E131 · Patent Blue V
- WHO
- Use caution
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Better avoided
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E131?
Patent Blue V is a synthetic blue dye used in a limited range of foods, beverages, and some medical dyes (e.g., for lymphatic mapping). It is authorised with limits in the EU/UK, but is not permitted for food use in the United States, Canada, or Australia/New Zealand. Rare hypersensitivity reactions, including severe ones, have been reported, though these are documented mostly in medical injection contexts rather than from eating food.
Also appears on labels as: Patent Blue V, Patent Blue V dye, E131, E 131, E-131, Acid Blue 3, Food Blue 5, C.I. 42051, CI 42051, C.I. Food Blue 5, Blue V, Brilliant Blue V.
What the evidence says
- JECFA has not allocated an ADI (insufficient data).
- EFSA ADI 0–5 mg/kg bw/day; exposures at maximum permitted levels could exceed ADI for high consumers under worst-case scenarios.
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, hypotension, anaphylaxis), especially with parenteral (medical) use.
Frequently asked questions
Is E131 safe?
Our overall verdict for E131 (Patent Blue V) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: use caution; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: better avoided; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E131 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Patent Blue V — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E131 and why is it used?
Patent Blue V is a synthetic blue dye used in a limited range of foods, beverages, and some medical dyes (e.g., for lymphatic mapping). It is authorised with limits in the EU/UK, but is not permitted for food use in the United States, Canada, or Australia/New Zealand. Rare hypersensitivity reactions, including severe ones, have been reported, though these are documented mostly in medical injection contexts rather than from eating food.
Does E131 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Patent Blue V, though some people report sensitivity (dye sensitivity).
Watch E131
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.