Blue #1 Carnauba Wax

Blue #1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic blue color additive chemically synthesized from petroleum-based raw materials. While "Blue #1 Carnauba Wax" is not a single chemical entity, Blue #1 is often used in products that also contain Carnauba Wax, a natural wax derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, which serves as a glazing agent.

Blue #1 is used to provide a blue color to a variety of foods, such as candies, beverages, and baked goods. Carnauba Wax is commonly applied as a coating on confections to give them a glossy finish and prevent them from sticking together.

The FDA has approved Blue #1 as a color additive for food, and it is generally considered safe. JECFA has evaluated Blue #1 and set an acceptable daily intake, and EFSA has also evaluated it. However, in April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue #1. While concerns about hyperactivity in children have been raised, scientific evidence is mixed and not conclusive. Carnauba Wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and is considered safe for consumption.