Blue 1 Dye, like its red counterparts, might also be on the chopping block soon. California has already banned it from school lunches and other states are working on similar laws. It seems like 2025 may be the year of the food dye ban.
But for now, we still have to contend with these dyes in our food for a few more years because even if they get banned this year, most won’t go into effect until 2027. So what is Blue 1 Dye and where do you find it in your food?
What is Blue 1 Dye?
Blue 1 Dye, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF or FD&C Blue No. 1 is a common dye found in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is made chemically from petroleum.
Brilliant Blue has been approved for use in food and medications since 1969. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, along with other food dyes. Regulations around Brilliant Blue can vary depending on the country. In the European Union, foods with certain food dyes are strictly regulated and must have a warning label about the potential link to hyperactivity.
The FDA does recommend limiting the daily consumption of Blue 1 Dye to no more than 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is estimated that most people consume between 1-3 milligrams per kilogram per day, significantly below the upper limit. But if the amount is not listed on the label, I am not sure how you would know how much you are consuming per day.
It is generally poorly absorbed in the digestive tract, most of it is excreted. It can be absorbed at higher rates by those who have digestive illnesses, like ulcerative colitis.
Concerns About Blue 1 Dye
There are a few health concerns with high levels of Blue 1 Dye. These include:
- Allergic reactions: Rare but possible reactions include itching, hives, or asthma-like symptoms, particularly in sensitive individuals.
- Hyperactivity in children: Some studies suggest artificial food dyes, including blue dyes, may contribute to hyperactivity in children, especially those with ADHD or sensitivities.
- Digestive issues: In large amounts, blue dyes may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating or diarrhea.
- Environmental impact: The production and disposal of synthetic dyes can contribute to environmental pollution.
There are a few case reports of blue dye being used for very ill patients on enteral feedings leading to their death from shock and metabolic acidosis. These deaths may be linked to increased absorption of the dye, due to using it in a tube feeding.
As far as cancer, there is limited evidence that blue dye causes cancer, with only a handful of older studies from the 1960s finding it may lead to kidney tumors in mice.
A 2006 study found that Blue 1 may cause neurotoxicity and may inhibit neuron growth. This could be harmful to children’s developing brains.
So while there isn’t any overt research that Blue 1 Dye is toxic, if you just want to avoid it, where can it be found?
Foods with Blue 1 Dye
Many foods contain Blue 1 Dye. Many of them are blue, so this might indicate that they contain the dye (or Blue 2). Some foods to check the label on may include:
- Cotton candy
- Ice cream
- Canned peas
- Candy
- Gummy snacks
- Food colorings
- Popsicles
- Blueberry flavored products
- Packaged soups
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
- Icing
- Children’s medications
- Blue Curacao liquor
- Soft drinks
- Mouthwash
Blue 1 may also be in medications, like antibiotics and cold-relieving medications. It may also be found in vitamins and dietary supplements.
While the evidence on Blue 1 Dye’s health risks is still evolving, taking steps to minimize its presence in your diet and household can be a proactive choice. The easiest way to avoid all food dyes is to focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and meat. Look for natural alternatives and read labels carefully to make informed decisions about what you consume.
If you are curious about food dyes and how to avoid them check out our other articles on the topic:
