Blue 1

Flavors + Colors

  • Potentially Harmful

Definition

FD&C Blue 1 also known as Brilliant Blue FCF is an artificial blue dye derived from petroleum or crude oil and widely used in foods such as candies, confections, beverages, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. Color additives are classified as straight colors, lakes or mixtures. Lakes are formed by combining dyes with salts to make them insoluble compounds ideal for coloring products with insufficient moisture to dissolve dyes, fats or oils. Lakes for food use must be made from certified batches of straight colors. (One exception is carmine, which made from cochineal extract.) Lakes for food use are made with aluminum cation as the precipitant and aluminum hydroxide as the substratum. Used in foods, chewing gum, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics soaps and shampoo.

Also Known As

Blue #1, Brilliant Blue FCF, Blue 1 Lake, Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, Blue #1 Lake, BLUE NO. 1

Health Impact

Some people, especially children, may be sensitive to food dyes, and have experienced allergic reactions when consuming them. Artificial food dyes have also been linked to increased behavioral problems in children, especially those with ADHD, because they may cause chemical changes in the brain, inflammation, and depletion of minerals that are important to growth and development.

Sources

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