Patent Blue V (E131) — 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 Patent Blue V?
Patent Blue V is a synthetic triarylmethane dye used primarily in the EU as a blue food coloring. It is also used in medical applications as a surgical dye for sentinel lymph node detection during breast cancer and melanoma surgery.
What Is It Used For?
Produces blue and blue-green shades in confectionery, beverages, and processed foods. Also used as a diagnostic dye in surgical procedures.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Can cause allergic reactions including urticaria and anaphylaxis in rare cases. Used as a surgical dye for sentinel lymph node detection, where anaphylactic reactions have been documented (incidence ~1 in 2,000). Not approved for food use in the US, Australia, or Norway. EFSA re-evaluated in 2013 and maintained ADI.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Patent Blue V an editorial context label of Caution with a score of 5/10. This is 0.8 points below the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2013. 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 E131 or 'Patent Blue V'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Patent Blue V
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E131
- INS Number
- 131
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Not approved in US
- EFSA Status
- Approved in EU with ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day (re-evaluated 2013)
- ADI
- 5 mg/kg bw/day
- Dataset Review
- 2013
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family