Loading…
The facts: Blue Dye 2 is banned in 1 country/region (including Norway (historical)), though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Blue Dye 2 on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Some M&Ms varieties, Certain Jell-O flavors, Some blueberry cereals.
TL;DR: Blue Dye 2 is banned in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Some M&Ms varieties, Certain Jell-O flavors, Some blueberry cereals, Grape-flavored candies, Some OTC medication capsules, Blue-tinted ice cream |
Blue Dye 2 (Indigotine/Indigo Carmine) is a synthetic disulfonated derivative of indigo. Unlike natural indigo from the indigo plant, the FD&C version is synthetically manufactured from petroleum. It produces a dark royal blue to indigo color and is used in food, pharmaceuticals, and medical diagnostics.
Blue Dye 2 provides a deep indigo-blue color to candies, beverages, and medications. It is also used clinically as a diagnostic dye for kidney function testing (ureteroscopy) and as a surgical dye marker. Its distinctive dark blue differentiates blueberry-flavored and grape-flavored products.
Animal studies conducted in the 1980s found that high-dose Blue Dye 2 caused brain tumors in male rats. An NTP bioassay (1987) found statistically significant increases in brain gliomas (astrocytomas) in male rats given high doses. The FDA reviewed these findings and determined that the doses far exceeded typical human dietary exposure. Nonetheless, the tumor finding remains in the scientific record as a concerning data point. EFSA's 2010 safety evaluation of Indigo Carmine (E132) reached an unusual conclusion: it could not establish an ADI due to data limitations, including the brain tumor findings. This means EFSA adopted an implicit conservative position — it neither declared Blue 2 safe nor formally banned it, but the absence of an established ADI signals scientific uncertainty. In medical diagnostic use, high intravenous doses of Indigo Carmine can cause hypertension, bradycardia, and in rare cases anaphylaxis. These are dose-specific clinical pharmacological effects, not relevant to dietary consumption at food use levels. Blue 2 was not included in the 2007 Lancet hyperactivity study. Limited direct research links Blue 2 to behavioral effects. The FDA's April 2025 announcement includes Blue 2 in the class of petroleum-based synthetic dyes to be phased out of the US food supply, reflecting updated policy on the category rather than specific new Blue 2 toxicity data.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Blue Dye 2 with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Yes. Blue Dye 2 is banned in Norway (historical); restricted in European Union (E132 permitted but less common than in US). The FDA still allows it in the US.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Some M&Ms varieties, Certain Jell-O flavors, Some blueberry cereals, Grape-flavored candies, Some OTC medication capsules, Blue-tinted ice cream. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Blue Dye 2.
Spirulina phycocyanin, butterfly pea flower extract, and anthocyanins from blueberry, elderberry, or black carrot provide blue-to-purple natural alternatives. Grape skin extract provides purple tones. These alternatives are pH-sensitive and See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Blue Dye 2 or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.
Audited products that don't contain Blue Dye 2.
As an Amazon Associate, BannedPantry earns from qualifying purchases. This never influences our ratings — see Affiliate Disclosure.