YenzoWhat is E155 (brown HT)?
It is Brown HT, also called chocolate brown HT, a synthetic reddish-brown azo colour. It is added to food to give a chocolate-brown colour.
E155Brown HT
E155 is Brown HT, also called chocolate brown HT, a synthetic red-brown azo colour. In food it gives a chocolate-like brown colour.
- Code
- E155 · INS 155
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2010
EFSA (2010) found that intake in high-consuming adults and children can exceed the ADI. On the Yenzo Scale this finding does not raise the risk level by itself.
How E155 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (155), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (155)colour 155E155INS 155On Vietnamese labels: Brown HT
Brown HT in food
Hard and soft candyChewing gumEdible ices and fruit ice creamDipping sauces and saucesFlavoured milk drinks and fermented milkDairy dessertsChocolate and cocoa
Questions about Brown HT
Is brown HT harmful?
EFSA set an ADI of 1.5 mg/kg body weight per day for Brown HT (2010 conclusion). In 2014 EFSA reassessed intake: based on maximum permitted levels, high consumers (95th percentile) exceeded the ADI in all age groups except the elderly; based on reported use levels only, mean and high intakes were below the ADI for all population groups.
Is E155 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Brown HT (INS 155) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour.
Other colours
E150Caramel colour (class not printed)lowE150aPlain caramel (caramel I)very lowE150bCaustic sulphite caramel (caramel II)lowE151Brilliant black BNlowE153Vegetable carbonvery lowE154Brown FKhigh
See all colours →Updated 21 October 2026