E155

Encyclopedia : E : E1 : E15 : E155

E155 is a food colourant also known as brown HT or chocolate brown HT. It is a brown synthetic coal tar and azo dye found mainly in chocolate flavour cakes.

It is one of the colours that the Hyperactive Children's Support Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children.

Its use is banned in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

Risks accosicated with E155

It appears to cause allergic and/or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance and asthma sufferers. It is also known to induce skin sensitivity and, although not proven, thought to be a carcinogenic in food

What is it used for?

Colouring of food products is required:

To replace colour lost during preparation (e.g. preserved fruits and vegetables);
To makeup the colour of a product whose ingredients cause it to become fade (e.g. sauces and drinks);
To ensure consistent colour of products (e.g. confectioneries and desert products);
To render the characteristic flavour more recognizable (e.g. synthetic syrups).
Technical Possibilities for Colouring Food Products:
Through the addition of colourant foods (e.g. Beetroot).
With natural colouring agents occurring in food (e.g. Beta - carotene).
With natural colouring agents not occurring naturally in food (e.g. Caramine).
With permitted synthetic food colours.
With inorganic pigments.

Sources

http://www.mbm.net.au

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