FDA Status
Approved
Green 3 (Fast Green), CAS 2353-45-9, is a color additive additive holding a composite safety score of 2 out of 5 (Caution). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as Banned. It is most commonly used as Candy, beverages (rarely used).
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Green 3 (Fast Green) to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance. Our regulatory timeline records 1 distinct regulatory event spanning multiple jurisdictions, illustrating how oversight has evolved over time.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Green 3 (Fast Green), which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Banned | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | — | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 2353-45-9 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
2.0 / 5
Composite Safety Caution
Safety Score: 2 out of 5
Safety Rating 40.0%
EU Status
Banned
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Green 3 (Fast Green) receives a safety score of 2/5 (Caution) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Green 3 (Fast Green) for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Green 3 (Fast Green). Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Green 3 (Fast Green)?
Synthetic green dye. Rarely used compared to other colors.
Health Concerns
- Banned in the EU. Some animal studies show potential tumor growth.
Common Uses
Candy, beverages (rarely used)
Regulatory Timeline
2025-04-15 FDA
Phaseout Announced
Included in FDA food dye phaseout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Green 3 (Fast Green) safe to consume?
Green 3 (Fast Green) has a safety score of 2/5 (Caution). Scientific studies have raised health concerns. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is Green 3 (Fast Green) used for in food?
Green 3 (Fast Green) is commonly used as: Candy, beverages (rarely used). It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Is Green 3 (Fast Green) banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Green 3 (Fast Green). However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Green 3 (Fast Green)?
The FDA classifies Green 3 (Fast Green) as "Approved", while the EU status is "Banned". The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Green 3 (Fast Green)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Green 3 (Fast Green): Banned in the EU. Some animal studies show potential tumor growth.. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Green 3 (Fast Green) calculated?
The safety score of 2/5 for Green 3 (Fast Green) is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Color Additive Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial