Brown HT
Learn what Brown HT (E155) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Brown HT?
A food additive from the category of synthetic azoic colorants. It gives a brown color and is allowed to be used in a wide range of products, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, preserved fruit and vegetable products, fat-based desserts, fruit or dairy-based desserts, cakes, biscuits, wafers, snacks, confectionery products, fish preparations and preserves, processed cheese, sauces, condiments, mustard, dietary supplements, and dietetic foods, etc.
Why is Brown HT added to food?
Brown HT (E155) is a colorant commonly found in: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, canned vegetables and fruits, fatty desserts, snacks, processed cheese, sauces, condiments, mustard.
Permitted quantity: The maximum allowable daily intake for humans is up to 1.5 mg/kg body weight, a very small dose that can be easily exceeded.
Is Brown HT safe?
Moderate concern
As it is an azoic colorant, it can cause allergies and intolerance in individuals sensitive to salicylates. As a histamine releaser, it may intensify asthma symptoms. When combined with benzoates (E 210-215), it may contribute to hyperactivity in children.
Is Brown HT banned anywhere?
⚠ Restricted in some countries (not banned in the EU)
Is Brown HT okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Brown HT
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- canned vegetables and fruits
- fatty desserts
- snacks
- processed cheese
- sauces
- condiments
- mustard
How to spot Brown HT on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E155
- Brown HT
Common misspellings to watch for:
- brown ht
Better alternatives
• May cause adverse reactions in individuals allergic to aspirin and in asthmatic individuals. • It is also known to cause skin sensitivity. • It is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, the USA, and Norway.
Also known as
- brown ht
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Brown HT? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E155 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Brown HT
- Is Brown HT safe to eat?
- As it is an azoic colorant, it can cause allergies and intolerance in individuals sensitive to salicylates. As a histamine releaser, it may intensify asthma symptoms. When combined with benzoates (E 210-215), it may contribute to hyperactivity in children.
- Is Brown HT banned anywhere?
- Brown HT is not banned in the EU but is restricted in some countries.
- Is Brown HT safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Brown HT on a food label?
- Look for E155, Brown HT in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: brown ht.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.