Blue 1 & Yellow 6

Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) and Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) are synthetic color additives produced from petroleum. They are organic compounds designed to impart specific hues to food products.

These dyes are added to foods and beverages to create blue and orange-yellow colors, respectively, or to achieve other colors when mixed. They are commonly found in candy, baked goods, beverages, and dessert toppings to enhance visual appeal.

Both Blue 1 and Yellow 6 are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1 and Yellow 6. Concerns have been raised about a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on this topic is mixed. JECFA has evaluated both Blue 1 and Yellow 6 and set an acceptable daily intake for each.