Brown FK (Kipper Brown)
Also known as: Kipper Brown, Food Brown 1
Colorants
Safety rating
Avoid
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Brown FK is a synthetic brown azo dye historically used to color smoked and cured fish, particularly kippers (smoked herring).
Commonly found in
- —Historically: kippers and cured fish products (banned in the US and EU, still permitted in some regions like Australia)
Key functions
- —Formerly provided a brown color to smoked fish
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Can cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with asthma or aspirin sensitivity — skin rashes, hives, respiratory difficulties
- 02Raised carcinogenicity concerns in studies, especially with prolonged large-quantity consumption
- 03Banned in the United States and European Union; still permitted in a few other regions for specific fish products