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Brilliant Black BN (E151) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(3/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Brilliant Black BN?

Brilliant Black BN is a synthetic azo dye that produces a black color in foods. It is one of the most restricted food dyes, banned in the United States, Canada, Japan, and several other countries. In the EU, it requires a mandatory warning label regarding potential effects on children's attention and behavior.

What Is It Used For?

Provides black coloring to confectionery, liquorice, sauces, and other dark-colored food products. Used mainly in the EU and UK where it remains permitted.

Function: Black synthetic azo dye used as food coloring

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
5 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): Not approved
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized with mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
⚠️ Key Concerns

Banned in the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and several European countries. EU requires warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' Azo dye that may release aromatic amines upon metabolism. EFSA re-evaluated in 2010 and maintained ADI but noted some data gaps. Part of the group of synthetic azo dyes under ongoing regulatory scrutiny due to links to hyperactivity in children.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Brilliant Black BN an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 3/10. This is 2.8 points below the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2010.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Liquorice (EU)Blackcurrant confectionery (EU)Fish pasteBrown saucesChocolate coatings
Example brands:
Haribo

Always check the label for E151 or 'Brilliant Black BN'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C28H17N5Na4O14S4
Molecular Weight: 867.69 g/mol
CAS Number: 2519-30-4
INS Number: 151
Also known as: E151, Brilliant Black PN, CI Food Black 1, INS 151

Frequently Asked Questions about Brilliant Black BN

Current dataset status: FDA — Not approved; EFSA/EU — Authorized with mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. Reported concerns: Banned in the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and several European countries. EU requires warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' Azo dye that may release aromatic amines upon metabolism. EFSA re-evaluated in 2010 and maintained ADI but noted some data gaps. Part of the group of synthetic azo dyes under ongoing regulatory scrutiny due to links to hyperactivity in children. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E151
INS Number
151
Category
Colorings
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
Not approved
EFSA Status
Authorized with mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
ADI
5 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2010
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

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