FD&C Green No. 3: Fast Green FCF

FD&C Green No. 3, also known as Fast Green FCF, is a synthetic sea-green dye. While it is one of the seven primary dyes allowed for general use in the U.S., it is actually one of the least used in the industry because it is quite expensive to produce and has a very specific “minty” or “seafoam” hue.

Quick Facts: Green No. 3 at a Glance

Attribute	Detail
Common Names	Fast Green FCF, E143, Food Green 3
Hue	Sea Green / Bluish-Green
Solubility	Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
Origin	A synthetic triphenylmethane dye

Attribute	Detail
Common Names	Fast Green FCF, E143, Food Green 3
Hue	Sea Green / Bluish-Green
Solubility	Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
Origin	A synthetic triphenylmethane dye

History and Regulation

Green No. 3 was permanently listed for food and drug use in 1982. Interestingly, while it is widely accepted in the United States and China, it is prohibited as a food additive in the European Union and many other countries. This is often why international versions of green-colored candies use a blend of Blue 1 and Yellow 5 instead of Green 3.

Common Food and Product Uses

Because of its distinct bluish-green color, you’ll find it in:

Confections: Mint-flavored candies, jellies, and hard candies.
Desserts: Gelatin desserts and certain ice creams.
Beverages: Occasionally used in lime or mint-flavored sodas and cordials.
Drugs & Cosmetics: Frequently used in mouthwashes, toothpastes, and topical medications.

🎨 The Complete Guide to Food Coloring Safety

This article is part of my comprehensive series on synthetic food dyes and their impact on health and regulation.

Main Overview: Why Do They Put Synthetic Colors in Foods?

Related Guides: Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 6, Green No. 3, and Red No. 40

Safety and Consumption

Green No. 3 is considered safe by the FDA, with very low absorption rates in the human body:

Absorption: Similar to Blue No. 1, it is poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and is mostly excreted unchanged.
Allergies: It has a very low incidence of allergic reactions compared to azo dyes like Yellow 5 or Red 40.
Certification: Like all other FD&C dyes, every batch must undergo strict FDA laboratory testing for purity.