Green S
Synthetic green, restricted in several countries.
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Green S is a synthetic triarylmethane dye — not an azo dye — giving a strong blue-green.
How it is used in food
Used as a synthetic green dye (e.g., in mint sauce).
Commonly found in- Mint sauce and jelly
- Confectionery
- Tinned peas
- Desserts
Health and safety
None major, but banned in some countries.
Poorly absorbed by the body; permitted in the EU.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Not approved | Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Not approved | Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E142
- Colour index
- CI 5
Worth knowing
Banned in Canada, Japan, and Norway.
Conclusion
You might want to take note of Green S if you prefer to avoid synthetic dyes that carry regulatory restrictions elsewhere. This synthetic triarylmethane dye is poorly absorbed and permitted within the EU for foods like mint sauce and tinned peas, but it is banned in several other countries. For everyday shoppers, it represents a real but bounded concern.
References
- EFSA evaluation of E142 — EFSA
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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