Patent Blue V
Score impact
-0.50
points/product
Description
E131, known as Patent Blue V, is a synthetic blue food color. It belongs to the group of azo dyes and is used to give a bright blue hue to various foods and beverages. Industrially, it is obtained by sulfonation of diphenylamine followed by coupling with naphthol sulfonic acid, then purification and drying.
It is a dark blue powder, soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. Its chemical formula is C27H31N2NaO7S2 and its molecular weight is 582.66 g/mol. It is stable to light and heat, but may decolorize in the presence of reducing agents. Its main function is as a colorant, providing an attractive blue color to foods.
It was approved as a food additive in the European Union in 1995 and its use is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety several times, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 5 mg/kg body weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated this color and set the same ADI. Overall, it is considered a safe additive within the established limits.
On food labels, it must appear as 'color: patent blue V' or 'E131'. Although there have been controversies about possible adverse effects, scientific studies have not shown significant health risks at permitted levels. However, caution is recommended in people with allergies or intolerances.
In summary, E131 is a widely used food color considered safe by health authorities, as long as it is consumed within the established limits.
E131 is mainly used in the food industry to color a wide variety of products blue. According to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, it is authorized in categories such as: non-alcoholic flavored drinks (up to 100 mg/l), ice cream (up to 150 mg/kg), confectionery (up to 200 mg/kg), desserts (up to 150 mg/kg), sauces and condiments (up to 100 mg/kg), and snack products (up to 100 mg/kg).
In the Spanish market, it can be found in colored soft drinks, candies, jellies, ice creams, flavored yogurts, and some bakery products. For example, brands like Fanta, Skittles, and some supermarket ice creams may contain E131. In the United States, the FDA has not approved Patent Blue V, so it is not allowed in foods. In Japan, its use is restricted to certain products. This regulatory difference is because the FDA considers there are not enough studies to demonstrate its safety, while EFSA has approved it. In the EU, maximum limits are set to ensure daily intake does not exceed the ADI.
It is important for consumers to check labels to identify its presence.
Documented side effects of E131 are limited and, in general, it is considered safe at permitted levels. EFSA has evaluated animal and human studies and found no evidence of acute toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity. However, rare cases of allergic reactions, such as urticaria or asthma, have been reported in sensitive individuals.
The biological mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to histamine release. It has also been suggested that E131 may exacerbate symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although the evidence is inconclusive. WHO has set an ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight, based on subchronic toxicity studies. No drug interactions have been documented. Sensitive populations include people with allergies to azo dyes or asthma.
In conclusion, EFSA and WHO consider E131 safe for the general population when consumed within established limits. However, it is recommended that people with known allergies avoid foods containing this color.
- Patent Blue V
- C.I. 42051
- Acid Blue 3
- FD&C Blue No. 3 (not approved in the US)
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
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