FD&C Blue No.2 Lake

FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is a pigment made by combining the water-soluble dye FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine) with an insoluble material, typically aluminum hydroxide. This process creates a color that is stable and does not bleed, making it suitable for certain food applications.

Manufacturers add FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake to provide a blue color to various food products. It is often found in candies, snacks, baked goods, and frostings. The lake form is preferred when a color needs to be dispersed rather than dissolved, or for products with low moisture content.

FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. JECFA has evaluated Indigotine (FD&C Blue No. 2) and set an acceptable daily intake, and EFSA has also evaluated it. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including FD&C Blue No. 2, based on evolving scientific understanding and public health considerations.