What is E131?
E131 is Patent blue V, a colour. Synthetic.
Also written as: INS 131, E-131, E 131. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Frequently asked questions
Is E131 halal?
E131 (Patent blue V) is halal. Synthetic.
What is E131 made from?
Synthetic dye.
What is E131 used for?
E131 is used as a colour, typically in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, sauces and snacks.
What should I do if a product contains E131?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Related E-numbers
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. How we decide · Suggest a correction