Brown Ht
Also known as: E155, Chocolate brown HT
Brown HT (E155) is one of the six 'Southampton colors' linked in the McCann 2007 study to hyperactivity in children. EU mandates a warning label on foods containing it.
What it is
Brown HT (E155) is a synthetic disazo dye used as a brown food colorant.
Color additive providing brown shades in baked goods, sauces, and confectionery.
Why it's flagged
- EU mandatory child-hyperactivity warning
- exposure may exceed ADI
What regulators actually say
"Based on a long-term carcinogenicity and toxicity study in mice, an ADI of 1.5 mg/kg bw/day can be derived... exposure to Brown HT could be above the new ADI for adults and children who regularly consume large amounts of foods containing the colour."
"The labelling of food additives... shall include the following additional information: name or E-number of the food colour(s)... 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not listed as an FDA-approved color additive for food.
European Union — EFSA
Approved with ADI 1.5 mg/kg bw/day; mandatory warning label per Reg (EC) 1333/2008.
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