E133 · Brilliant Blue FCF
- 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 E133?
Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue No. 1) is a synthetic bright blue dye used in beverages, candies, ice cream, medicines, and cosmetics. It is approved in many countries with maximum permitted levels and is considered one of the better-tolerated synthetic dyes; rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mostly in medical rather than dietary contexts.
Also appears on labels as: Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue 1, Blue 1, E133, E 133, E-133, INS 133, Brilliant Blue FCF food color, Synthetic Blue 1, Brilliant Blue FCF dye, Additivo alimentare E133, Additif alimentaire E133.
What the evidence says
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals.
- Adverse events mainly reported with medical (parenteral/diagnostic) use rather than typical dietary exposure.
Research behind the verdict
- Food Safety and Health Concerns of Synthetic Food Colors: An Update — Petra Amchová; Filip Siska; Jana Ruda-Kučerová, Toxics (2024). Narrative review of synthetic food colors. For Brilliant Blue FCF (E133), EFSA (2010) and JECFA (2017) ADI remain 0–6 mg/kg bw/day; JECFA judged exposure not of health concern. The review cites in-vitro work showing sperm DNA damage only at very high concentrations and rodent studies with immune modulation after repeated dosing; these do not alter the ADI.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E133 safe?
Our overall verdict for E133 (Brilliant Blue FCF) 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 E133 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Brilliant Blue FCF — 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 E133 and why is it used?
Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue No. 1) is a synthetic bright blue dye used in beverages, candies, ice cream, medicines, and cosmetics. It is approved in many countries with maximum permitted levels and is considered one of the better-tolerated synthetic dyes; rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mostly in medical rather than dietary contexts.
Does E133 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Brilliant Blue FCF, though some people report sensitivity (dye sensitivity).
Watch E133
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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.