Is E133 halal?

What is E133?

Brilliant Blue FCF is a synthetic blue dye made from petrochemical raw materials and sold as a sodium salt. It dissolves well in water and is often blended with yellow colours to make green shades in sweets and drinks.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

It is made by chemical synthesis with no animal or insect raw material, so it is generally treated as halal. When it is used to make green, it is usually paired with another synthetic or plant colour, so check that partner colour too. A ready-made liquid colour may also contain a carrier such as glycerol that is not listed.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for E133 itself. For a full guarantee that any carriers are also acceptable, choose a product with a halal certificate or ask the manufacturer.

Where you'll find it

• sweets
• ice cream
• cake decorations
• flavoured drinks
• jelly desserts

Good to know

• In 2010 EFSA lowered the acceptable daily intake from 10 to 6 mg per kg of body weight per day.
• It is not one of the six colours that need the EU and UK hyperactivity warning on the label.
• In the US it is called FD&C Blue No. 1.

Similar additives

• E102 Tartrazine Generally halal
• E110 Sunset Yellow FCF Generally halal
• E124 Ponceau 4R Generally halal
• E129 Allura Red AC Generally halal
• E200 Sorbic acid Generally halal
• E202 Potassium sorbate Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133) (2010)
2. UK Food Standards Agency: food additives

Frequently asked questions