E132 · Indigotine, Indigo carmine
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Safe in moderation
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E132?
Indigotine (Indigo carmine) is a synthetic blue dye used in foods, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. It is approved with maximum use levels in the EU/UK, permitted in the US under good manufacturing practice, and has an established acceptable daily intake considered protective for the general population.
Also appears on labels as: Indigotine, Indigo carmine, E132, E 132, E-132, CI 73015, Synthetic blue dye, Food color indigo, FD&C Blue No. 2, Indigo carmine dye, Indigotine colorant, Blue 2.
What the evidence says
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported (more often in medical uses).
- High-percentile child exposure can approach the ADI under worst-case assumptions at maximum permitted levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Carmine (E120) Allergy and Hypersensitivity in Urticaria Patients — Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 2025-08-26 13:19:30+00 (2022). A placebo-controlled study of 110 patients with chronic inducible urticaria evaluated hypersensitivity to carmine (E120). Skin prick tests and specific IgE measurement identified 22 patients with positive skin tests; 33 underwent oral challenge and nine (8%) were diagnosed with carmine allergy【719646607681445†L170-L185】. Carmine is derived from dried insects and can contain protein impurities that elicit IgE‑mediated reactions, with reported symptoms including erythema, urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, gastrointestinal symptoms and anaphylactic shock【719646607681445†L190-L209】. These findings indicate that carmine is a potential allergen and individuals with chronic urticaria or sensitivities should avoid it.[avoid]
Frequently asked questions
Is E132 safe?
Our overall verdict for E132 (Indigotine, Indigo carmine) is “Safe in moderation”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe in moderation; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E132 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Indigotine, Indigo carmine — 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 E132 and why is it used?
Indigotine (Indigo carmine) is a synthetic blue dye used in foods, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. It is approved with maximum use levels in the EU/UK, permitted in the US under good manufacturing practice, and has an established acceptable daily intake considered protective for the general population.
Does E132 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Indigotine, Indigo carmine, though some people report sensitivity (dye sensitivity).
Watch E132
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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.