Blue 1

Blue 1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic food dye. It is chemically produced from petroleum to provide a bright blue color.

Manufacturers add Blue 1 to give a blue color to various food and beverage products. It is frequently found in items like candy, cereals, powdered drink mixes, and some baked goods.

Blue 1 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a color additive for food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Blue 1 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have explored a potential link between synthetic food dyes, including Blue 1, and hyperactivity in children. However, the FDA states that current scientific evidence does not establish a causal link at typical consumption levels, and the evidence is mixed.