FDA Status
Approved
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) (E133), CAS 3844-45-9, is a color additive additive holding a composite safety score of 2 out of 5 (Caution). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as Approved. It is most commonly used as Candy, beverages, ice cream, canned peas.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance. Our regulatory timeline records 1 distinct regulatory event spanning multiple jurisdictions, illustrating how oversight has evolved over time.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue), which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2010/11/22. EFSA has noted an overexposure risk classification of "moderate" for typical consumption patterns. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E133 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 3844-45-9 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
2.0 / 5
Composite Safety Caution
Safety Score: 2 out of 5
Safety Rating 40.0%
EU Status
Approved
E133
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) receives a safety score of 2/5 (Caution) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue). Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)?
Synthetic blue dye. Petroleum-based.
Health Concerns
- Generally considered lower risk than red/yellow dyes, but FDA phaseout announced by 2027.
Common Uses
Candy, beverages, ice cream, canned peas
Regulatory Timeline
2025-04-15 FDA
Phaseout Announced
Included in FDA food dye phaseout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) safe to consume?
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) has a safety score of 2/5 (Caution). Scientific studies have raised health concerns. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) used for in food?
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) is commonly used as: Candy, beverages, ice cream, canned peas. It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Is Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue). However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)?
The FDA classifies Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) as "Approved", while the EU status is "Approved" (E133). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue): Generally considered lower risk than red/yellow dyes, but FDA phaseout announced by 2027.. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) calculated?
The safety score of 2/5 for Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Color Additive Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial