FD&C Blue No. 1: Brilliant Blue FCF Food Dye

FD&C Blue No. 1, commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic food colorant used to produce a bright, greenish-blue hue. It is one of the most widely used blue dyes in the world and is frequently blended with other colors, such as Yellow No. 5, to create various shades of green.

Quick Facts: Blue No. 1 at a Glance

Attribute	Detail
Common Names	Brilliant Blue FCF, E133, Acid Blue 9
Hue	Bright Greenish-Blue
Solubility	Highly soluble in water and glycerol
Origin	A synthetic triphenylmethane dye derived from aromatic hydrocarbons

Attribute	Detail
Common Names	Brilliant Blue FCF, E133, Acid Blue 9
Hue	Bright Greenish-Blue
Solubility	Highly soluble in water and glycerol
Origin	A synthetic triphenylmethane dye derived from aromatic hydrocarbons

History and Regulation

Blue No. 1 was one of the first synthetic dyes to be certified by the FDA. It was permanently listed for use in food and ingested drugs in 1969.

Today, it is globally approved, though it is subject to strict purity standards. In the United States, every batch must be certified by the FDA to ensure it contains no harmful impurities.

Common Food and Product Uses

Because of its vibrant color and stability, Blue No. 1 is found in a massive array of products:

Beverages: Blue sports drinks, sodas, and powdered drink mixes.
Confections: Hard candies, cotton candy, blue raspberry-flavored snacks, and cake frostings.
Dairy & Desserts: Ice creams, puddings, and gelatins.
Non-Food Items: Shampoos, soaps, mouthwash, and medications (capsules and syrups).

🍧Find out everything you need to know to be completely informed about the use of artificial colors in food, a complete list, their safety, the law, and the banning of Red No. 3 food coloring in my comprehensive guide.

Read More: Food Coloring Safety: The History, Science, and 2027 FDA Red No. 3 Ban

Safety and Absorption

Blue No. 1 is considered safe for consumption by major health authorities, including the FDA and EFSA:

Low Absorption: One of the key safety features of Blue No. 1 is that it is very poorly absorbed by the digestive tract. Approximately 95% of the dye is excreted unchanged.
Toxicity Profile: It has shown no evidence of being carcinogenic or neurotoxic in extensive long-term studies.
Medical Use Warning: While safe in food, the FDA has previously issued warnings regarding its use in enteral (tube) feeding, where it was once used to help detect aspiration, as high concentrations in critically ill patients could lead to complications.