Blue 2 Lake

What is Blue 2 Lake? FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, commonly referred to as Blue 2 Lake, is an insoluble pigment derived from the FD&C Blue No. 2 dye. It is produced by combining the dye with aluminum hydroxide, resulting in a powder that is oil-dispersible but not oil-soluble. This lake pigment is used to impart a deep blue or indigo color to various products and is characterized by its ability to tint by dispersion, making it suitable for use in formulations where the dye needs to be mixed with oils, fats, or other carriers like propylene glycol, glycerin, or sucrose[1][2]. Common Uses in Food and Beverages Blue 2 Lake is commonly used in a wide range of food and beverage products to enhance their color. It is found in breakfast cereals, sports drinks, energy drinks, ice creams, sorbets, dairy foods, candies such as M&Ms and Skittles, snack foods, baked goods, dessert powders, confectionary products, sausages, and even maraschino cherries. Additionally, it is used in pet foods and various other highly processed foods that require a blue coloration. The lake form of the dye is particularly useful in these applications because it can be mixed with oils and fats, which is not possible with the water-soluble dye form[1][3].

The creation of Blue 2 Lake involves a multi-step process that transforms the water-soluble FD&C Blue 2 dye into a water-insoluble pigment. The process begins with the preparation of an alumina hydrate substrate. This is achieved by dissolving sodium bicarbonate in cold water and then slowly stirring in an aluminum chloride solution over a period of about two hours. This reaction precipitates alumina hydrate, which is further stirred for an additional half hour to ensure the completion of the reaction. The resulting alumina hydrate slurry is then mixed with a solution of FD&C Blue 2 dye, and a thin stream of aluminum chloride is added while continuously stirring until the pH of the slurry reaches between 4.1 and 4.3. This process, known as "laking," allows the water-soluble dye to be completely absorbed onto the alumina hydrate particles[1][2].

After the laking process, the slurry is filtered using a filter press to form a filter cake, which is then washed with water to reduce the sodium chloride content. The filter cake is subsequently dried at a temperature of about 50°C to produce a dry cake of agglomerated lake particles. Finally, this cake is ground into lake particles with an average size of 1 micron, with the majority of particles being submicron in size. This final product is a bright, bleed-free, and light-stable Blue 2 Lake pigment, suitable for use in various applications including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics[1][2].

Safety Profile for Human Consumption: The safety profile of Blue 2 Lake, also known as Indigo Carmine, is marked by several potential health concerns. Despite approvals from regulatory agencies such as the FDA, EFSA, and JECFA, which deem it safe within specified acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels, there are reports of adverse reactions. These include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and in rare cases, severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Additionally, Blue 2 has been linked to neurobehavioral problems in children, such as increased inattention and hyperactivity, and there are concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects, as evidenced by tumor growth in animal studies. Long-term consumption may also lead to other health issues, including skin irritation, blood pressure fluctuations, and gastrointestinal disorders[1][2]. Potential Contamination Risks: While the primary concerns around Blue 2 Lake are related to its inherent chemical properties, there are also potential risks associated with contamination. However, these risks are not specifically tied to the dye itself but rather to the broader context of food and beverage production. Heavy metal contamination, for instance, is more commonly associated with environmental and agricultural practices rather than the dye production process. Similarly, pesticide use and pathogen risks are generally related to the cultivation and processing of food ingredients rather than the dye. There is no direct evidence to suggest that Blue 2 Lake is a source of heavy metals, pesticides, or pathogens, but overall food safety can be compromised by these factors in the broader food supply chain[3][4]. Therefore, ensuring the overall quality and safety of the food and beverages in which Blue 2 Lake is used remains crucial.