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Brown HT (E155) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(3/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Brown HT?

Brown HT is a synthetic azo dye that produces a chocolate brown color in foods. It is one of the most restricted food colorings still permitted anywhere, banned in the United States and most of continental Europe. Its very low ADI of 1.5 mg/kg bw/day reflects significant safety concerns.

What Is It Used For?

Provides brown coloring to chocolate-flavored products, confectionery, and canned goods. Use is extremely limited, mainly confined to the UK and a few other countries.

Function: Brown synthetic azo dye used as food coloring
0.2 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
105 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
0.2%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
1.5 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇪🇺 EU: Authorized
🇺🇸 US: Not approved
🇯🇵 JP: Not approved
🇦🇺 AU: Approved
🇨🇦 CA: Not approved
⚠️ Key Concerns

Banned in numerous countries including the United States and most of continental Europe. Very low ADI (1.5 mg/kg bw/day) reflects significant safety concerns. EU requires warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' One of the most restricted synthetic food dyes still permitted anywhere. EFSA noted limited data and called for additional studies. As an azo dye, it may release aromatic amines during metabolism.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Brown HT an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 3/10. This is 2.8 points below the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2014. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.2% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Chocolate cake mixes (where permitted)ConfectioneryCanned fish
Example brands:
Limited use — mainly UK food manufacturers

Always check the label for E155 or 'Brown HT'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C27H18N4Na2O9S2
Molecular Weight: 652.56 g/mol
CAS Number: 4553-89-3
INS Number: 155
Also known as: E155, Chocolate Brown HT, CI Food Brown 3, INS 155

Frequently Asked Questions about Brown HT

Current dataset status: FDA — Not approved; EFSA/EU — Authorized in EU with mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. Reported concerns: Banned in numerous countries including the United States and most of continental Europe. Very low ADI (1.5 mg/kg bw/day) reflects significant safety concerns. EU requires warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' One of the most restricted synthetic food dyes still permitted anywhere. EFSA noted limited data and called for additional studies. As an azo dye, it may release aromatic amines during metabolism. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E155
INS Number
155
Category
Colorings
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
Not approved
EFSA Status
Authorized in EU with mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
ADI
1.5 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2014
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

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