Artificial additives
Green 3 (fast green)
Definition
What it is
Artificial synthetic dye: linked to hyperactivity in children; requires mandatory warning label in the EU. The FDA is currently reviewing authorization following California's 2023 ban of several dyes in school foods.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- green 3
- green no. 3
- fast green
- e143
Regulation
Regulatory status
- European Union Warning label required
- Japan Restricted
- United States Restricted
Explainer
In plain language
Green 3, also called Fast Green FCF or FD&C Green No. 3, is a synthetic dye made from petroleum-derived raw materials. Its only job is color, giving foods, drinks, and some cosmetics a bright green or blue-green shade. It is one of the least used artificial food dyes in the United States.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Green 3 belongs to the family of synthetic food dyes that has drawn scrutiny over neurobehavioral effects in some children. A 2021 review by California's environmental health agency concluded that synthetic food dyes as a group are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in some children, and California later restricted several dyes in foods sold in schools. In the EU, Green 3 is authorized as E143 in limited uses and carries the same child-activity warning applied to other synthetic dyes. The evidence points to sensitivity varying widely from child to child, so this is a group-level association rather than proof of harm to everyone. Clear Label rates it high for transparency because regulatory status is in flux and some households want to track it in their own logs.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Green or mint-flavored candies
- Canned and maraschino cherries
- Some ice creams and sherbets
- Green frostings and decorating gels
- Certain sodas and drink mixes
- Some processed peas and vegetables
Practical
Reading the label
US labels list it as Green 3, FD&C Green No. 3, or Fast Green. In the EU it appears as E143. It sometimes turns up in foods where a specific green or teal shade is wanted rather than in obviously green products.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people choose products colored with chlorophyll, spirulina extract, or matcha for green shades. Comparing labels on candies and frostings often reveals a naturally colored version of the same product.
FAQ
Common questions
Is Green 3 banned in the EU?
No. It is authorized as E143 for limited uses in the EU, but products containing it must carry a warning that it may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. That labeling rule has pushed many manufacturers to reformulate.
Does Green 3 affect every child?
No. The reviews behind the concern observed effects in some children, not all, and sensitivity varies widely. Logging foods and behavior over time is the honest way to see whether it matters in your household.
Is Green 3 still allowed in US foods?
As of early 2026 the FDA still authorizes Green 3 for food use, though it has moved to revoke several other dyes and its dye authorizations are under active review. California has restricted certain dyes in school foods separately from federal rules.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.