Green S

E number E142CAS 3087-16-9

Listed as a colour by the EU.

Listed as colours (EU)
Chemical structure of Green S, from PubChem compound 91525
Structure from PubChem CID 91525 (National Library of Medicine, public domain). A depiction of one compound: where a listing covers a family, or a substance has no single structure, this page shows none.

Green S is a synthetic green dye. One of its narrowest EU uses is also its most familiar: canned mushy and garden peas, which would otherwise turn olive-grey in the can.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Green S by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

44 food categories

Show every food category
  • 0.2 ColouringsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 0.3 FlavouringsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milkAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milkAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc)All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powderAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugarAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweetenersAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixtureAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 12.1.3 Salt substituteAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foodsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foodsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda watersAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juicesFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinksAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.1.4 Formulated BeveragesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol winesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueursAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of waterNot for olive oil. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil)All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 3 Ice cream and edible icesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetablesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa productsPermitted on the surface of chocolate only. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 5.2 Sugar confectioneryAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 5.4 Icings and frostingsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta)All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 7 Breads and bakery productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or piecesAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2Not for sausage or sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat. All colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.4 Edible casingsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 8.5 Animal protein productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish productsAll colourings permitted to a maximum level together: no more than 70 mg/L in a beverage or 290 mg/kg in another food (Standard 1.3.1—4(3)).
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 43 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaNo listing matchedHealth Canada’s lists name additives without E or INS numbers, so this site matches them by exact name. A substance listed there under a name this site does not recognise has no row here.
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

29 food categories

highest permitted level 500 mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — 150 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/l. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 74: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — 150 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/kg. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — 150 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/kg. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.3 edible cheese rind — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 67: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines and E 180 litholrubine BK 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — 100 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/kg. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 12.4 Mustard — 300 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300 mg/kg.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — 100 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/kg. only meat and fish analouges based on vegetable proteins.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. excluding cidre bouché, cydr jakościowy, perry jakościowe, cydr lodowy, perry lodowe.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. excluding wino owocowe jakościowe.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. except: spirit drinks as defined in categories 1-17, 22, 36, 37 and 41 of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/787. Note 87: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. Note 87: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % — 200 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/l. only alcoholic beverages with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %. Note 87: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — 100 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/kg. only savoury coated nuts.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — 100 mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100 mg/l.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — 50 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50 mg/kg.
  • 3 edible ices — 150 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150 mg/kg. Note 25: The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
  • 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — 10 mg/kgML = 10 mg/kg. only processed mushy and garden peas (canned).
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 200 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200 mg/kg. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products — 100 mg/kgML = 100 mg/kg. except chestnut puree. Note 31: Maximum individually or in combination with E 120, E 142, E 160d and E 161b.
  • 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC — 100 mg/kgML = 100 mg/kg. except chestnut purée.
  • 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — 100 mg/kgML = 100 mg/kg. except crème de pruneaux. Note 31: Maximum individually or in combination with E 120, E 142, E 160d and E 161b.
  • 6.6 Batters — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500 mg/kg. only batters for coating.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500 mg/kg. only decorations and coatings except edible external coating of pasturmas Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 78: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — 100 mg/kgML = 100 mg/kg. only fish paste and crustacean paste. Note 35: Maximum individually or for the combination of E 100, E 102, E 120, E 122, E 142, E 151, E 160e, E 161b.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500 mg/kg. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma, Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus’. Note 84: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 4 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for salmon substitutes shall be 5,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.3 fish roe — 300 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Group III, Colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300 mg/kg. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar). Note 86: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 cochineal, carminic acid, carmines 3 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for pasteurised products shall be 50 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 28 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

37 food categories

highest permitted level 500 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.3 Edible cheese rind — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (67): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine and E 180 litholrubine BK 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of this Regulation, that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. only seasonings, for example curry powder, tandoori Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (70): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 120 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.4 Mustard — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 50 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50.
  • 12.6 Sauces — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. including pickles, relishes, chutney and picalilli; excluding tomato-based sauces Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (65): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. only meat and fish analogues based on vegetable proteins.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — 50 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50. Note (88): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 3 mg/kg only in liquid heat-treated products. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — 50 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 50.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. excluding cidre bouché.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. Excluding wino owocowe markowe.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. except: spirit drinks as defined in Article 5(1) and sales denominations listed in Annex II, paragraphs 1-14 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and spirits (preceded by the name of the fruit) obtained by maceration and distillation, Geist (with the name of the fruit or the raw material used), London Gin, Sambuca, Maraschino, Marrasquino or Maraskino and Mistrà. Note (87): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. Note (87): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. only alcoholic drinks with less than 15 % of alcohol and nalewka na winie owocowym, aromatyzowana nalewka na winie owocowym, nalewka na winie z soku winogronowego, aromatyzowana nalewka na winie z soku winogronowego, napój winny owocowy lub miodowy, aromatyzowany napój winny owocowy lub miodowy, wino owocowe niskoalkoholowe and aromatyzowane wino owocowe niskoalkoholowe. Note (87): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 1,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 100: excluding extruded or expanded savoury snack products Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 200: only extruded or expanded savoury snack products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (71): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100. only savoury-coated nuts.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — 100 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 100.
  • 3 Edible ices — 150 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 150. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
  • 4.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — 10 mg/kg or mg/lML = 10. only processed mushy and garden peas (canned).
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC — 100 mg/kg or mg/lML = 100. except chestnut purée. Note (31): Maximum individually or in combination with E 120, E 142, E 160d and E 161b.
  • 4.2.5.3 Other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — 100 mg/kg or mg/lML = 100. except crème de pruneaux. Note (31): Maximum individually or in combination with E 120, E 142, E 160d and E 161b.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 300: except candied fruit and vegetables Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 200: only candied fruit and vegetables Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (72): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 500: only decorations, coatings and sauces, except fillings Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 300: only fillings Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
  • 6.6 Batters — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. only batters for coating.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — 200 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 200. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (76): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. (1) ML 500: only decorations and coatings except edible external coating of pasturma s Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) quantum satis: only edible casings Period of application: From 1 August 2014. Note (78): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 10 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of this Regulation, that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 500. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma , Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus. Note (84): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 4 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for salmon substitutes shall be 5,5 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — several limits(1) ML 100: only fish paste and crustacean paste; (2) ML 250: only precooked crustacean. Note (35): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 100, E 102, E 120, E 122, E 142, E 151, E 160e, E 161b. Note (36): Maximum individually or for the combination of E 100, E 102, E 120, E 122, E 129, E 142, E 151, E 160e, E 161b.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — 300 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit. ML = 300. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar). Note (86): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from aluminium lakes of E 120 carminic acid, carmine 3 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for pasteurised products shall be 50 mg/kg. No other aluminium lakes may be used. For the purposes of Article 22(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 36 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyNo listing matchedThis site imports Part III of South Korea’s Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, matched by CAS number, then INS number, then exact name. Mixed preparations and sanitisers are not imported, and an entry whose identifiers disagreed with a page’s is held for review, so an empty row does not show that South Korea does not permit the substance.
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFANot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand—44 no quantity stated
European Union10 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg28 numeric limit, 1 quantum satis
Great Britain10 mg/kg – 500 mg/kg31 numeric limit, 5 several limits, 1 quantum satis

What it is made from

A synthetic triarylmethane dye produced from petroleum-derived aromatic intermediates.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
3087-16-9
InChIKey
WDPIZEKLJKBSOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M
PubChem
CID 91525

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 142 Green s

Green S consists essentially of sodium N-[4-[[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl] 2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-N-methylmethanaminium and subsidiary colouring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate as the principal uncoloured compounds. Green S is described as the sodium salt. The calcium and the potassium salt are also permitted.

Synonyms: CI Food Green 4, Brilliant Green BS

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Colour Index No
44090
Einecs
221-409-2
Chemical name
Sodium N-[4-[[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl](2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)-methylene]2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-N-methylmethanaminium; Sodium 5-[4-dimethylamino-α-(4-dimethyliminocyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene) benzyl]-6-hydroxy-7-sulfonato-naphthalene-2-sulfonate (alternative chemical name).
Chemical formula
C₂₇H₂₅N₂NaO₇S₂
Molecular weight
576,63
Assay
Content not less than 80 % total colouring matters calculated as the sodium salt [image] 1 720 at ca. 632 nm in aqueous solution
Description
Dark blue or dark green powder or granules
Appearance of the aqueous solution
Blue or green

Identification

Spectrometry
Maximum in water at ca. 632 nm

Purity criteria

Water insoluble matter
Not more than 0,2 %
Subsidiary colouring matters
Not more than 1,0 %
4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydryl alcohol
Not more than 0,1 %
4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-benzophenone
Not more than 0,1 %
3-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid
Not more than 0,2 %
Leuco base
Not more than 5,0 %
Unsulfonated primary aromatic amines
Not more than 0,01 % (calculated as aniline)
Ether extractable matter
Not more than 0,2 % under neutral conditions
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium
Not more than 1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 142

Every name it appears under

80 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E142

CAS registry number

  • 1264298-48-7
  • 3087-16-9

As it appears in regulation

  • Green S

Other names

  • 12078 Green
  • Acid Brilliant Green BS
  • Acid green 50
  • Acid Green 50 (Technical Grade)
  • Acid Green 50 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
  • Acid Green 50 100 |Ig/mL in Acetonitrile
  • ACID GREEN BS
  • ACID GREEN RS
  • Acid Leather Green S
  • Acilan Green BS
  • Brilliant Acid Green BS
  • Brilliant Green BS
  • Brilliantsaeure gruen BS [German]
  • C.I. Acid Green 50
  • C.I. Acid Green 50, monosodium salt
  • C.I. Food Green 4
  • Calcocid Green S
  • Calcocid Green SB
  • Calocid Green S
  • Calocid Green SB
  • CCRIS 1908
  • CI Food Green 4
  • E 142
  • Edicol Supra Green B
  • Edicol Supra Green BS
  • Erio Green S
  • Food Green S
  • Green 5
  • Green BS
  • Green S
  • GREEN S (E 142)
  • Green S, analytical standard
  • Hexacol Green S
  • Kiton Green S
  • Lissamine Green B
  • Lissamine Green BN
  • Lissamine(TM) Green B, Dye content 60 %
  • Naphthazine Green S
  • Pharmacid Green S
  • Pontacyl Green Son and S
  • Schultz Nr. 836 [German]
  • Unitertracid Green BS
  • Vert acide brilliant bs
  • Vondacid Green S
  • Water Green SX
  • Zelen kysela 50 [Czech]
  • Zelen kysela BS [Czech]
  • Zelen potravinarska 4 [Czech]

Systematic names

  • 4-{[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl][4-(dimethylylidene)cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene]meth yl}-3-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, sodium salt
  • Ammonium, (4-(p-(dimethylamino)-alpha-(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthyl)benzylidene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)dimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, sodium salt
  • Hydrogen (4-(4-(dimethylamino)-alpha-(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulphonato-1-naphthyl)benzylidene)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)dimethylammonium, monosodium salt
  • Methanaminium, N-(4-((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-methyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, monosodium salt
  • Methanaminium, N-(4-((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-methyl-, inner salt, sodium salt (1:1)
  • Methanaminium, N-[4-[[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl](2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-N-methyl-, inner salt, monosodium salt
  • N-(4-((4-(Dimethylamino)phenyl)(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthale- nyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-methylmethanaminium hydroxide, inner salt, monosodium salt
  • N-(4-((4-(Dimethylamino)phenyl)(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthalenyl)methylene)-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-N-methylmethanaminium, hydroxide, inner salt, monosodium salt
  • Sodium 4-((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)(4-(dimethyliminio)cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl)-3-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate
  • sodium;4-[[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-(4-dimethylazaniumylidenecyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl]-3-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate

The EU re-evaluation programme

Every additive authorised in the EU before 20 January 2009 was put back through EFSA by Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, and this one is named in it. What the Regulation required is below; whether the opinion has since been published is not something this site records.

  • To be evaluated by 31 December 2010. Named in Annex II, Part I, point 2 as “Green S”, among the additives given priority within its class.

Hazard reference values

EFSA and JECFA have both assessed Green S and their conclusions are not two comparable figures — EFSA records 5 mg/kg bw/day, JECFA not allocated. An acceptable daily intake is a reference value set by a committee, not a threshold above which harm begins. “Not specified”, “not limited” and “not allocated” are conclusions, not missing data, and they are shown in the words each body used rather than reduced to a number. See where the two committees differ.

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADI5 mg/kg bw/dayconsumersEFSA ANS2010
ADInot allocated—JECFA1974

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2010

    The ANS Panel concluded that the available data did not give reason to revise the SCF's ADI of 5 mg/kg bw/day for Green S (E 142), with the lack of adequate genotoxicity data balanced by negative carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity studies. High-percentile intake estimates for children exceeded the ADI at the Tier 2 level but not in the refined Tier 3 estimate.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 142?
E 142 is Green S. Green S is a synthetic green dye. One of its narrowest EU uses is also its most familiar: canned mushy and garden peas, which would otherwise turn olive-grey in the can.
What is Green S used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role the EU assigns it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Green S permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, the EU and Great Britain permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Green S vegan?
Yes. Green S is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

Follow changes to Green S:Atom feed — regulatory events, and any change the weekly refresh detects in its provisions.