Indigo Carmine (E132) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Indigo Carmine?
Indigo Carmine, also known as Indigotine, is a synthetic blue dye derived from indigo. It is one of the oldest synthetic food colorings and is approved in both the EU (as E132) and the US (as FD&C Blue No. 2).
What Is It Used For?
Provides blue and blue-purple shades in confectionery, ice cream, baked goods, and pharmaceutical tablets. Often combined with other colors to achieve green and purple hues.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Generally well-tolerated. Some studies suggest very minor effects on gut bacteria at high doses. Can cause nausea and skin rashes in sensitive individuals. Lower concern profile than most synthetic dyes. EFSA re-evaluated in 2014 and maintained ADI at 5 mg/kg bw/day.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Indigo Carmine an editorial context label of Caution with a score of 6/10. This is 0.2 points above the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2014. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0% of the listed ADI.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E132 or 'Indigo Carmine'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Indigo Carmine
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E132
- INS Number
- 132
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Approved (FD&C Blue No. 2)
- EFSA Status
- Approved in EU with ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day (re-evaluated 2014)
- ADI
- 5 mg/kg bw/day
- Dataset Review
- 2014
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family