Green S

Green S is a synthetic triphenylmethane food dye that produces a vivid blue-green colour. It is used in a limited range of products including canned peas, mint jelly, tinned green beans, and certain confectionery. Its use has declined significantly as consumers and regulators have scrutinised synthetic dyes more closely over the past two decades.

JECFA last evaluated Green S in 1969. No numeric ADI is recorded in current regulatory data. The dye is not approved for use in the United States, Canada, Japan, or Australia, restricting its commercial relevance to markets operating under EU food law, where it remains permitted in a small number of food categories under Regulation 1333/2008.

Consumers in the EU may encounter Green S predominantly in processed vegetables and some confectionery. While Green S has not been specifically implicated in the hyperactivity concerns associated with the six Southampton azo dyes, its restricted approval status in major markets reflects ongoing cautious regulatory positions. Those wishing to avoid synthetic colourants should check labels for E142.