Brilliant Black PN

Identifiers

INS No. 151
Black PN
E 151
CI Food Black 1
CAS 2519-30-4

Physical Description

Brilliant black is a bis-azo dye that occurs as black powder or granules. It consists of tetrasodium salt of 4-acetamido-5-hydroxy-6-([7-sulfonato-4-[((4-sulfonatophenyl)diazenyl]naphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl)naphthalene-1,7-disulfonate and subsidiary coloring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate as the principal uncolored components. Brilliant black PN may be converted to the corresponding aluminum lake.

Common Uses

Brilliant black can be used to color confectionery, decorations and coatings, desserts including flavored milk products, edible cheese rind, edible ices, fine bakery wares, fish and fish products, non-alcoholic flavored drinks, non-dairy beverages, sauces and seasonings, and savory snacks.

Specifications

JECFA

EU Commission

Codex GSFA Provisions

Brilliant black (INS No. 151) is added to foods and beverages at concentrations up to a maximum permitted level (MPL) as established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. There are currently 18 food categories for which MPLs for brilliant black have been adopted in the General Standard of Food Additives.

Regulatory Approval

JECFA: ADI of 0-1 mg/kg bw (87th meeting, 2019)

EU: ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA, 2010). Specific food categories and permitted maximum use levels for have been defined in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.

Safety Reviews

Safety evaluation of certain food additives (Eighty-seventh report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) WHO Food Additive Series, No. 78, 2020. Available online

EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Brilliant Black BN (E 151) as a food additive on request from the European Commission. EFSA Journal 2010;8(4):1540. [30 pp.]. Available online