FD&C Blue #1

FD&C Blue #1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic color additive. It is a bright blue dye produced from petroleum. This color is widely used to give foods a blue hue or to create other colors when mixed with other dyes.

Manufacturers add FD&C Blue #1 primarily as a colorant to make foods more visually appealing. It is commonly found in candies, beverages, baked goods, and dairy products. It can also be mixed with other synthetic dyes to create green, purple, or other colors.

FD&C Blue #1 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) and concluded it is safe for use as a food additive within specified limits. JECFA has also evaluated Brilliant Blue FCF and established an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed, and more research is ongoing. The FDA states that there is no conclusive evidence to support a causal link between these dyes and hyperactivity.