What is Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133)?
Brilliant Blue FCF is a synthetic food colorant used to give or restore blue color to foods. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex under code E 133 and Color Index (CI) 42090.
Where is Brilliant Blue FCF Used?
It is used for coloring in food categories permitted by regulations. For permitted categories and maximum amounts, please refer to the table below.
Pharmaceutical / Food Industry Applications
- Lake (aluminum lake) form is used as a coating colorant in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (for coating tablets, dragees, capsules, and supplement products).
- Synthetic food dyes can also be used in pharmaceuticals according to their specifications. If the product specification includes USP, NF, or Ph.Eur, the product's compliance with pharmaceutical standards is verified against these standards.
- There is no ban on use in dietary supplements; they may be used within the limits established for foods.
In Which Foods and at What Levels is Brilliant Blue FCF Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)
E 133 is a Group III colorant; the combined maximum limit established for the group (usually 150 mg/kg) applies in many food categories.
| Food category | Maximum amount | Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Foods included in Group III (e.g., flavored creams) | 150 mg/kg | — |
| Prepared red fruits | 200 mg/kg | (34) |
| Processed peas and garden peas (canned) | 20 mg/kg | — |
Note: "quantum satis" means use as required by good manufacturing practice without a specific numerical upper limit. In Group III colorants, the total amount must not exceed the combined maximum established for the group.
E-Number, Color, and Technical Specifications
- E code: E 133 · Color Index: CI 42090 · Color: blue
- CAS No: 3844-45-9 · Chemical Formula: C37H34N2Na2O9S3
- Forms: powder (water-soluble) and aluminum lake
Storage, Shelf Life, and Re-test Period
For our products, the recommended re-test period is 3 years; it may extend up to 5 years with some manufacturers and varies by producer. The CoA / specification document of the relevant batch shall be used as the basis for the exact re-test date.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and pharmaceutical compliance information (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) as well as supply conditions for Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133).