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E131Caution

Patent Blue V

Group: Colours

Harm level3 of 5In moderation

In plain words

Patent Blue V is an artificial blue dye. It is used in sweets, drinks and coloured icings, often mixed with yellow to make green.

Where you find it: confectionery, jellies, drinks

Our recommendation

Best limited; sensitive people should avoid it.

Possible risks and effects

  • Rare allergic reactions (hives, exceptionally anaphylaxis).

For experts

A synthetic triarylmethane dye. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2013 and set an ADI, seeing no safety concern at normal intake. It is also used as a medical diagnostic dye, where severe allergic reactions have been described.

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This information is educational and based on EFSA assessments and available studies; it does not replace medical advice. With allergies, intolerances or illness, follow your doctor’s advice.