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E133 Brilliant Blue (also known as Brilliant Blue FCF) is a synthetic food colorant commonly used in food and beverages, cosmetics, and sometimes in pharmaceuticals.
Brilliant Blue is often used to provide a bright blue color in products like beverages, candies, and processed foods.
It is a water-soluble dye and is typically considered safe for consumption within regulated limits.
CAS Number: 3844-45-9
Synonyms:,Brilliant Blue FCF,Acid Blue 9,FD&C Blue No. 1,CI Food Blue 1,CI 42090
Introduction
Food colorants are widely used to enhance the visual appeal of consumable products.
Among them, synthetic dyes have been especially favored for their vividness, stability, and low cost.
One such synthetic dye is E133, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue No. 1 in the United States).
First introduced in the 20th century, Brilliant Blue has become a prominent additive in a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
The development of Brilliant Blue can be traced back to efforts to replace natural dyes, which often lacked consistency and stability.
Over time, E133 has undergone extensive toxicological testing and has been evaluated by various regulatory agencies, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Chemical Properties
Brilliant Blue FCF is a synthetic organic compound with the chemical formula C37H34N2Na2O9S3.
It is classified as a triphenylmethane dye and typically appears as a blue powder or granules.
It is water-soluble and exhibits a bright blue color due to its strong absorption in the visible spectrum around 630 nm.
Molecular Weight: 792.84 g/molAppearance: Blue powder or granulesMelting Point: DecomposesSolubility: Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanolpH Stability: Stable in acidic to neutral pH, degrades under strong alkaline conditions
Synthesis and Manufacturing
Brilliant Blue is synthesized through a multi-step chemical process involving the condensation of aromatic compounds, followed by sulfonation and neutralization steps.
The synthesis generally involves:
Condensation Reaction: Between aromatic amines and formaldehyde
Sulfonation: To introduce sulfonic acid groups, enhancing water solubility
Neutralization: Using sodium hydroxide to convert the dye into its sodium salt form
The production is carefully controlled to ensure purity, limit heavy metals, and reduce impurities such as unsulfonated by-products.
Applications
Brilliant Blue FCF is used across multiple sectors:
Food Industry: Found in candies, beverages, jellies, syrups, and dairy products
Pharmaceuticals: Used in capsules, syrups, and topical formulations for visual appeal
Cosmetics: Used in bath gels, shampoos, and creams
Industrial Uses: Utilized in scientific research, particularly as a staining agent in biology
Mechanism of Action
Upon ingestion, Brilliant Blue is largely excreted unchanged in the feces, as it is not significantly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
It has minimal metabolic transformation. Studies show that it does not bioaccumulate in tissues and has a low systemic bioavailability.
Regulations and Standards
E133 is approved for use in many countries but with specific concentration limits. Notable regulatory positions include:
EFSA: Approved with concentration limits in different food categories
FDA: Permitted under the name FD&C Blue No. 1
Codex Alimentarius: Lists it as an approved colorant
However, E133 is banned or restricted in some countries due to public health concerns or differing toxicological interpretations.
Benefits and Functional Roles
Color Enhancement: Provides a vivid and appealing blue hue
Stability: Resistant to heat, light, and pH changes
Cost-effectiveness: Less expensive than natural alternatives
Health Concerns and Controversies
Despite regulatory approval, concerns persist:
Hyperactivity in Children: Some studies suggest a link with behavioral effects
Consumer Mistrust: Synthetic dyes often face skepticism from the public
Labeling Debates: Advocacy for clearer labeling and use of natural dyes
Environmental Impact
Brilliant Blue is not biodegradable and can persist in wastewater if not treated properly.
It may affect aquatic ecosystems by altering water coloration and potentially accumulating in sediments.
Advanced oxidation processes are required for effective removal from effluents.
Analytical Methods
Quantification and identification methods include:
UV-Vis Spectrophotometry: Commonly used due to strong absorption at 630 nm
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Provides precise quantification and purity assessment
Mass Spectrometry: For structure elucidation and detection of impurities
Alternatives and Substitutes
As consumer demand for natural ingredients increases, several alternatives to E133 have emerged:
Spirulina Extract: A natural blue pigment derived from algae
Butterfly Pea Flower: Provides a natural blue hue with antioxidant properties
Anthocyanins: Found in blueberries and red cabbage, but less stable
Recent Research and Innovations
Ongoing research aims to:
Improve the stability and safety of natural blue dyes
Enhance synthetic dye formulations to reduce impurities
Investigate health impacts through advanced toxicogenomics
Future Perspectives
The future of E133 and synthetic dyes in general will likely be shaped by:
Regulatory Trends: Moves towards tighter restrictions and clearer labeling
Consumer Preferences: Growing preference for clean-label products
Technological Advances: Development of hybrid dyes combining natural and synthetic elements
Conclusion
E133 Brilliant Blue remains a widely used and thoroughly studied synthetic dye.
While it offers significant functional advantages in various applications, it is also subject to ongoing debate regarding health and environmental safety.
Continued research and innovation are vital to ensure its responsible use or develop viable alternatives.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT E 133 BRILLIANT BLUE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
