E130 – Indanthrone blue

Description

Synthetic organic pigment

Risks

Notes

Indanthrene Blue is a synthetic blue pigment created through complex chemical processes in laboratories. It belongs to a class of dyes called anthraquinone dyes, which are made by chemically modifying compounds originally derived from coal tar or petroleum. The manufacturing process involves multiple chemical reactions to create a stable, intensely colored blue compound that can be safely used in food applications. This blue colorant is used to create blue and purple shades in various food products, though it's not as commonly encountered as some other food dyes. When it is used, you might find it in candies, ice creams, beverages, and decorative food items where a deep blue color is desired. It's particularly valued for its ability to create rich, stable colors that don't fade easily. Being synthetic, Indanthrene Blue is suitable for vegetarians and vegans since it contains no animal-derived ingredients, and it generally fits within most religious dietary guidelines. However, like many synthetic food colors, it's subject to strict regulations and must be used within approved limits. Some countries have restrictions on its use or require special labeling, and it's not as widely used as other blue food colorings due to regulatory considerations and consumer preferences for more common alternatives.