E154 · Colours
Brown FK
Not authorised in EU, but permitted in AU-NZ and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Brown FK is a mixture of six synthetic azo dyes, blended to give smoked fish an even brown colour.
How it is used in food
It gave cold-smoked fish the uniform copper-brown that a short smoke does not produce on its own.
Commonly found in- Smoked kippers and cured fish (historical, UK)
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
Not authorised as a food colour in the EU or the US; no acceptable daily intake stands for it.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E154
Worth knowing
Its nickname was "kipper brown" — its use was so tied to smoked herring that the trade named it after the fish.
Conclusion
Highly toxic and banned globally.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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