Fast Green FCF
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
Fast Green FCF is a synthetic triarylmethane dye — not an azo dye — authorised in the US as FD&C Green No. 3.
How it is used in food
Gives a clean sea-green that natural pigments cannot hold at low pH.
Commonly found in- US confectionery
- US beverages
- US dessert mixes
Health and safety
It is very poorly absorbed from the gut, and most of a dose passes straight through. The reason to avoid it is regulatory divergence rather than a specific documented harm: the EU does not permit it, while the US does.
Authorised in the United States as FD&C Green No. 3. It is not on the EU list of permitted food colours.
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
- E143
Also printed asFD&C Green No. 3 · Green 3
Worth knowing
It is often mistaken for an azo dye because of the company it keeps on labels; chemically it is a cousin of Patent Blue V.
Conclusion
Banned in the EU due to safety concerns; best avoided globally.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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