E142 · Green S
- WHO
- Use caution
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E142?
Green S is a synthetic blue-green dye used in a limited range of foods such as mint-flavoured products, tinned peas, and some beverages. It is authorised with maximum permitted levels in the EU/UK and Australia/New Zealand, but is not permitted for use in foods in the United States, Canada, or Japan. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mostly outside of typical dietary exposure.
Also appears on labels as: Green S, E142, E 142, E-142, Food Green S, Acid Green 50, CI 44090, FD&C Green No. 4, Quinoline Green, Green S (sodium salt), Disodium 4,4'-[diethyliminobis(2-hydroxy-5,1-phenyleneazo)]di(benzenesulphonate).
What the evidence says
- JECFA: no ADI allocated; previous temporary ADI withdrawn.
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported (mostly in non-dietary/medical contexts).
Frequently asked questions
Is E142 safe?
Our overall verdict for E142 (Green S) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: use caution; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E142 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Green S — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E142 and why is it used?
Green S is a synthetic blue-green dye used in a limited range of foods such as mint-flavoured products, tinned peas, and some beverages. It is authorised with maximum permitted levels in the EU/UK and Australia/New Zealand, but is not permitted for use in foods in the United States, Canada, or Japan. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mostly outside of typical dietary exposure.
Does E142 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Green S, though some people report sensitivity (dye sensitivity).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.