Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
The food colorant Patent Blue V (additive E131) belongs to the group of synthetic triarylmethane dyes. It has a deep blue color with a violet tint and is used in the food industry to give products an attractive appearance.
In nature, additive E131 does not occur. It was synthesized in the 20th century from organic compounds derived from coal tar and later from petrochemical derivatives. Therefore, the additive has exclusively synthetic origins. The chemical formula is C54H62CaN4O14S4.
The production of additive E131 involves a multi-step organic synthesis process. Industrially, it is made from benzene and naphthalene derivatives, reacted with sulfonic acids and other reagents, then stabilized with calcium or sodium salts. The result is a dye with high coloring ability and stability.
Additive E131 is produced as a dark blue powder or granules, easily soluble in water. Its main physicochemical properties are high light and heat stability, good water solubility, low solubility in alcohols, and acid resistance. These qualities make Patent Blue V convenient for use in foods requiring long-term color stability.
Effects on the Body
Benefits of Additive E131
Unlike natural colorants found in vegetables or plants, additive E131 is fully synthetic and not characteristic of the human body. Currently, there is no scientific evidence supporting direct health benefits from its consumption.
However, in medicine, Patent Blue V is used diagnostically—for example, in lymphography, where it stains lymphatic vessels and nodes. Thus, while it provides no nutritional benefit, it has practical value in clinical applications.
Risks of Additive E131
The safety of additive E131 has been debated for decades. According to clinical observations, consumption of the dye can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, itching, and, in predisposed individuals, even anaphylaxis. Asthmatics and people with aspirin intolerance are particularly sensitive.
Several studies have suggested a possible link between artificial colorants, including E131, and hyperactivity in children. This is supported by a number of clinical trials, so additive E131 is considered a potential risk factor with frequent consumption of synthetic colorant-containing foods.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a re-evaluation of E131 in 2013. The committee concluded that the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is 5 mg/kg body weight, based on chronic toxicity studies in animals.
Meanwhile, JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has not set a final ADI for additive E131, having withdrawn the temporary 0–1 mg/kg in 1975. The FDA (USA) does not permit the use of this dye in food products due to insufficient evidence of its full safety.
Thus, the main risks of additive E131 consumption include allergic reactions, potential behavioral effects in children, and toxic effects if the recommended dose is exceeded.
Uses
In the food industry, additive E131 is used sparingly. Its primary role is to provide products with an attractive blue or violet color. It can be found in certain confectioneries, jellies, glazes, ice creams, beverages, and sauces. Its use in meat products and minced meat is rare and limited to specific recipes.
Beyond the food sector, the dye has diagnostic applications in medicine, such as assessing lymphatic system function. Additionally, E131 is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to color capsules and syrups.
Legal Status
The legal status of additive E131 varies by country. In the European Union, the dye is permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, but only in strictly limited amounts and for certain product categories.
In the USA and Australia, E131 is banned for use in the food industry. The FDA has not included Patent Blue V in its list of approved food colorants. Similarly, in Norway, the dye is excluded from the food sector for safety reasons.
In Ukraine and CIS countries, Patent Blue V is officially permitted as food additive E131. In Canada, its use is also allowed in limited amounts.
In Japan and several other countries, the additive is used in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, but its use in food products is restricted.
