YenzoWhat is E151 (brilliant black BN)?
It is brilliant black BN, also called black PN, a synthetic violet-black azo colour. It is added to food to give a black or deep purple colour.
E151Brilliant black BN
E151 is brilliant black BN, also called black PN, a synthetic violet-black azo colour. In food it gives a black or deep purple colour.
- Code
- E151 · INS 151
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2010
EFSA (2010) found that intake in children can exceed the ADI. On the Yenzo Scale this finding does not raise the risk level by itself.
How E151 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (151), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (151)colour 151E151INS 151On Vietnamese labels: Brilliant black
Brilliant black BN in food
Questions about Brilliant black BN
Is brilliant black BN harmful?
EFSA set an ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day for brilliant black BN (2010 conclusion). In 2015 EFSA reassessed intake: based on maximum permitted levels, high consumers (95th percentile) among toddlers and children exceeded the ADI in four surveys; in the two refined scenarios (using reported use and analytical data), mean and high intakes were below the ADI for all population groups.
Is E151 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Brilliant black (INS 151) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour.
Other colours
E150Caramel colour (class not printed)lowE150aPlain caramel (caramel I)very lowE150bCaustic sulphite caramel (caramel II)lowE150cAmmonia caramel (caramel III)lowE150dSulphite ammonia caramel (caramel IV)lowE153Vegetable carbonvery low
See all colours →Updated 21 October 2026