✅ Safety Verdict: Generally Safe
E132 (Indigo Carmine) is approved and generally considered safe. It's one of the more studied blue dyes. Not in the "Southampton Six" colours linked to hyperactivity. Rare allergic reactions possible but uncommon.
💡 Historical Connection to Indigo
E132 is a synthetic version of indigo – the natural dye used to colour blue jeans! However, food-grade E132 is chemically synthesised, not extracted from indigo plants.
What is E132 (Indigo Carmine)?
E132 is Indigo Carmine (also called Indigotine), a synthetic blue dye.
Also known as:
- FD&C Blue No. 2 (US name)
- CI 73015 (colour index)
- Indigotine
Key facts:
- Blue to blue-violet colour
- Water-soluble
- Less stable than some dyes – can fade in light and heat
Where is E132 Found?
Food Products:
- Blue sweets and confectionery
- Ice cream and ice lollies
- Biscuits and baked goods
- Drinks
- Desserts
- Often mixed with E102 (Tartrazine) to create green
Non-Food Uses:
- Medical diagnostic tests – kidney function tests
- Medicines – pill colourings
Is E132 Safe?
✅ Safety Profile:
- Approved by EFSA, FDA, and other agencies
- ADI of 5mg per kg body weight (EU)
- Not linked to hyperactivity in Southampton Study
- Poorly absorbed – most passes through unchanged
Rare Concerns:
- Allergic reactions – rare but possible
- Nausea – at very high doses (not typical food levels)
- May cause issues for some asthmatics – rare reports
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with ADI of 5mg per kg body weight
US: FDA approved (FD&C Blue No. 2)
Widely approved globally
Who Should Avoid E132?
Consider Avoiding:
- People with known dye allergies
- Some asthmatics (if sensitive to dyes)
- Those preferring to avoid all synthetic colours
✅ Generally Fine:
- Most people tolerate E132 without issues
- Not associated with hyperactivity
- Safe for most children
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Generally safe – well-studied
- ✅ Not in "Southampton Six" – no hyperactivity warning
- ✅ Approved worldwide
- ⚠️ Synthetic dye – if you prefer natural, avoid
- ⚠️ Rare allergic reactions possible
Our recommendation: E132 is one of the better-tolerated synthetic blue dyes. If you're avoiding the "Southampton Six" colours due to hyperactivity concerns, E132 is not among them. However, if you prefer to avoid all synthetic colours, there are natural alternatives.
Last updated: February 2026