E-code guide
E151Brilliant Black BN
HalalColorant
E151

Brilliant Black BN

Synthetic black color

JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies as doubtful; SANHA and MUIS classify as halal.
Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record
1says Doubtful2say Halal

Why this verdict

E151 is brilliant black BN, a synthetic diazo dye giving a black colour to sauces, sweets, and desserts. SANHA and MUIS both classify E151 as halal, describing it as a synthetic black colouring with no animal source. JAKIM Handbook 2010 lists it as Mushbooh only in liquid form, where the carrier solvent must also be halal — a product-level matter. As a synthetic dye, E151 is halal.

Food-safety note
Permitted as a food colour in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels, and assessed safe by FSANZ before approval. A synthetic dye; some sensitive people may react. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E151 halal?

Brilliant Black BN (E151) is classified halal. JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies it as doubtful; SANHA and MUIS classify it as halal.

What is E151 made from?

Brilliant Black BN (E151) is produced synthetically.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.