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E155 Brown HT – Food Colouring Explained

E155 is a synthetic brown food colouring approved in the EU, mainly used in chocolate-flavoured products. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

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Things worth knowing about "E155"

E155 is a synthetic brown food colouring approved in the EU, mainly used in chocolate-flavoured products. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

What is E155?

E155, also known as Brown HT (Hydroxy-Toluene Azo dye), is a synthetic azo dye used as a brown colouring agent in the food industry. It belongs to the class of azo dyes, characterised by a nitrogen-nitrogen double bond (-N=N-). While E155 is permitted under specific conditions in the European Union, it is not approved for use in countries such as the United States, Australia, or Japan.

Uses in Food

E155 is primarily used to give food products an appealing brown colour, particularly in chocolate-flavoured goods. Common applications include:

Chocolate cakes and pastries
Biscuits and cookies with chocolate flavouring
Certain confectionery and desserts
Some processed and convenience foods

EU labelling regulations require that E155 be listed on ingredient labels either as E155 or by its full name Brown HT.

Health Assessment and Safety

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E155 and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI). However, several health concerns have been raised, particularly regarding:

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Like other azo dyes, E155 may trigger allergic or pseudo-allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Possible symptoms include skin rashes, hives (urticaria), itching, and in rare cases, difficulty breathing. People with aspirin intolerance or known food allergies are at a higher risk.

Hyperactivity in Children

The well-known Southampton Study (2007) found a link between the consumption of certain synthetic food colourings and increased hyperactivity in children. Although E155 was not directly studied, the EFSA recommends as a precautionary measure limiting the intake of azo dyes in children. In the EU, products containing certain azo dyes must carry the warning label: May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

Cross-Reactions

People who are intolerant to other azo dyes, such as tartrazine (E102), may experience cross-reactions with E155, as these substances share a similar chemical structure.

Regulation and Labelling in the EU

In the European Union, E155 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives for specific food categories. Maximum permitted levels are defined per food category. Manufacturers are required to declare the colourant on product packaging using its E-number or full chemical name.

Who Should Avoid E155?

The following groups are advised to limit or avoid consumption of E155:

Children, especially those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Individuals with known allergies to azo dyes
People with aspirin or NSAID intolerance
Those with asthma or chronic urticaria

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) - Scientific Opinion on Brown HT (E155), EFSA Journal, 2010.
McCann D. et al. - Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 2007.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.

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