What is Dark Brown (E 155)?
Dark Brown is a synthetic food colorant used to impart or restore a dark brown color to foods. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex under code E 155 and Color Index (CI) 20285.
Where is Dark Brown Used?
It is used for coloring in food categories permitted by regulations. For permitted categories and maximum amounts, please refer to the table below.
Pharmaceutical / Food Industry Uses
- Lake (aluminum lake) form is used as a coating colorant in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (for coating tablets, dragees, capsules, and supplement products).
- Synthetic food colors may also be used in pharmaceuticals depending on their specification. If the product specification includes USP, NF, or Ph.Eur designations, the product's compliance with pharmaceutical standards is verified against these standards.
- There is no ban on use in dietary supplements; they may be used within the limits established for foods.
In Which Foods and at What Levels is Dark Brown Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)
E 155 (Brown HT) is a Group III colorant; a combined maximum (mostly 150 mg/kg) applies in many food categories.
| Food category | Maximum amount | Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Foods within Group III (e.g., flavored creams) | 150 mg/kg | — |
| Pre-cooked crustaceans | quantum satis | — |
| For health labeling purposes | quantum satis | — |
Note: "quantum satis" means use as much as needed according to good manufacturing practice, without a specific numerical upper limit. In Group III colorants, the total amount must not exceed the combined maximum established for the group.
E-Number, Color, and Technical Specifications
- E code: E 155 · Color Index: CI 20285 · Color: dark brown
- CAS No: 4553-89-3 · Chemical Formula: C20H10Na2O5S
- Forms: powder (water-soluble) and aluminum lake
Storage, Shelf Life, and Re-test Period
For our products, the recommended re-test period is 3 years; it may extend up to 5 years with some manufacturers and varies by producer. The Certificate of Analysis (CoA) / specification document for the relevant batch shall be used to determine the exact re-test date.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
For SDS, TDS, CoA, and pharmaceutical compliance information (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) as well as supply conditions for Dark Brown (E 155), please contact Asuka Kimya.