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E151ColorantModerate concern
Brilliant Black BN
In plain words
The short version
A synthetic black azo dye used to darken sauces and decorations; not approved for food in the US.
Why we flag it amber
A synthetic black dye (Brilliant Black BN). It's approved in the EU but banned in some countries, and it's one of the colours flagged over possible sensitivities. That's why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI 5 mg/kg body weight (EFSA). It is an azo dye, but it is not one of the six colours whose presence in EU foods requires the label warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.
The detail
A synthetic black azo dye (Black PN).
Black-to-brown colorant used to darken some brown sauces, blackcurrant-type products, sweets, and decorations.
Black-brown water-soluble powder.
EU-permitted; not approved for food use in the US.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Brilliant Black BN (E 151) as a food additive (2010) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal 2010;8(4):1540), 2010. Safety: ADI 5 mg/kg bw (EFSA)
- WHO JECFA database — Brilliant Black PN (INS 151) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 2019. Safety: international evaluation (JECFA ADI 0-1 mg/kg bw, reconfirmed 2019)
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated version of 18 August 2026 (Annex II and Annex V) — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Regulation: EU-permitted; E 151 is not among the Annex V warning-label colours
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.