Brilliant black
Learn what Brilliant black (E151) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhy is Brilliant black added to food?
Brilliant black (E151) is a colorant commonly found in: Animal products, confectionery products, fruit pastes, jams, sauces.
Permitted quantity: The maximum allowable daily intake for humans is up to 1 mg/kg body weight.
Is Brilliant black safe?
Moderate concern
As an azo colorant, it may cause allergies and intolerance in individuals sensitive to salicylates. As a histamine releaser, it can intensify asthma symptoms. In combination with benzoates (E 210-215), it promotes hyperactivity in children. Furthermore, during digestion, this colorant breaks down into harmful byproducts. It is banned in the USA, Canada, Norway, Finland, and Japan.
Is Brilliant black banned anywhere?
⚠ Restricted in some countries (not banned in the EU)
Is Brilliant black okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Brilliant black
- Animal products
- confectionery products
- fruit pastes
- jams
- sauces
How to spot Brilliant black on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E151
- Brilliant black
Common misspellings to watch for:
- brillidnt black
- brilliant black
- brllliant black
- brilliant bldck
- brilllant black
- brilliant blaek
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to food colorants. • Not recommended for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, as it may worsen symptoms. • Avoid large quantities in children or pregnant women without a doctor's recommendation. • May interfere with anticoagulant medication, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Also known as
- brillidnt black
- brilliant black
- brllliant black
- brilliant bldck
- brilllant black
- brilliant blaek
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Brilliant black? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E151 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Brilliant black
- Is Brilliant black safe to eat?
- As an azo colorant, it may cause allergies and intolerance in individuals sensitive to salicylates. As a histamine releaser, it can intensify asthma symptoms. In combination with benzoates (E 210-215), it promotes hyperactivity in children. Furthermore, during digestion, this colorant breaks down into harmful byproducts. It is banned in the USA, Canada, Norway, Finland, and Japan.
- Is Brilliant black banned anywhere?
- Brilliant black is not banned in the EU but is restricted in some countries.
- Is Brilliant black safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Brilliant black on a food label?
- Look for E151, Brilliant black in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: brillidnt black, brilliant black, brllliant black.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.