Food Additive · EU 142
Green S
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Green S is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Green S is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Green S: composite 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 142 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Food Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | 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.
What is Green S?
GREEN S is a green synthetic coal tar triarylmethane dye with the molecular formula C27H25N2O7S2Na. It can be used in mint sauce, desserts, gravy granules, sweets, ice creams, and tinned peas.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of Green S -E 142- as a food additive. EFSA overexposure risk: moderate
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Green S
Product-count (0) and safety-score (3/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 3/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Green S safe to consume?
Green S scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is Approved. The mixed-evidence band means federal approval and remaining open questions coexist, read the health-concern and state-action rows before treating the score as a green light.
What is Green S used for in food?
Green S is commonly used as: Various processed foods. It belongs to the Food Additive category of food additives.
What health concerns are associated with Green S?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Green S: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of Green S -E 142- as a food additive. EFSA overexposure risk: moderate. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.