Brown HT
The short version
A synthetic diazo brown dye.
A synthetic brown dye. It's approved in the EU but not permitted in some countries, and it's among the colours linked to reactions in sensitive people. That's why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–1.5 mg/kg body weight (EFSA 2010 re-evaluation, lowered from 3). Not one of the six colours whose EU packs must carry the "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" warning, though it is often listed beside them as a fellow azo dye. Many EU manufacturers have voluntarily reformulated to avoid it. Not approved for food use in the US, Canada or Japan. It is permitted throughout the EU, including Sweden, and in Australia and New Zealand, with maximum levels.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database: Brown HT (INS 155), ADI 0–1.5 mg/kg bw (1984) — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1984. ADI of 0–1.5 mg/kg bw
- EFSA: Refined exposure assessment of Brown HT (E 155), EFSA Journal 2014;12(5):3719 — European Food Safety Authority, 2014. EFSA 2010 re-evaluation; ADI 1.5 mg/kg bw/day
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text of 18 August 2026 (Annex II Group III; Annex V) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2026. Permitted EU-wide, including Nordic member states; not on the Annex V warning list
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Schedule 16, S16—4 Colourings permitted to a maximum level (compilation of 16 September 2025) — Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government (FSANZ), 2025. Brown HT permitted in Australia/New Zealand with maximum levels
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.