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Typical source

Synthetic azo dye

Plain-language explanation

Brilliant Black BN, or E151, is a synthetic black dye used to give foods like sauces, desserts, and drinks a dark color. It is made from petroleum through chemical processes and does not come from animal sources, so it is generally considered halal by major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS. However, some strict scholars advise caution with any synthetic additives due to potential processing aids, though this is rare for E151. Always check for a halal certification label to be certain.