Artificial Color Fd & C Blue #1
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.
What it is
FD&C Blue #1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic color additive. It is a petroleum-derived dye manufactured through chemical synthesis.
Why it's used
This ingredient is used to give foods and beverages a blue color. It is commonly found in candies, soft drinks, baked goods, dairy products, and cereals.
Health notes
FD&C Blue #1 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue #1. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated this dye and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated it and concluded it is safe at established levels. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies like the FDA state there is not enough evidence to establish a causal link for the general population.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.