What is E142 and where is it found?
E142, also known as Green S, Brilliant Acid Green S, or Lissamine Green B, is a synthetic food colouring agent derived from coal tar. This water-soluble dye imparts a bright green colour to foods and is used to enhance the visual appeal of many processed products. It can be used either on its own or in combination with other colourants to achieve the desired hue. The use of E142 is regulated differently around the world, with approval in regions like the European Union (EU) and Australia/New Zealand, but a complete ban in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Categories of foods containing E142
E142 is a common additive in a variety of food items, particularly those with a green tint or that require bright colouration for aesthetic purposes. The following categories provide a breakdown of products where you are likely to find this synthetic dye:
- Confectionery: This is one of the most common applications for E142. It is used to colour sweets, candies, jellies, and mint-flavoured gums to make them visually appealing. Many popular green sweets get their vibrant colour from this additive.
- Desserts: E142 is frequently used in fat-based desserts, ice creams, fruit-based desserts, and baked goods like cakes, biscuits, and wafers. It helps to create a consistent and appealing colour in these products.
- Beverages: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks may contain E142, especially those that are green or blue-green in colour. This includes certain flavoured soft drinks, cocktails, and fruit-flavoured beverages.
- Processed Fruits and Vegetables: One classic example of E142's use is in tinned peas and preserved fruit products, where it helps restore the bright green colour that can be lost during the canning process.
- Sauces and Condiments: E142 can be found in a range of sauces, including mint sauce and gravy granules, as well as in mustard and other condiments.
- Savoury Snacks and Dairy: Some savoury snacks, processed cheese, and fish preparations and preserves have also been known to contain E142.
A comparative look at food colouring regulations: E142 vs. other dyes
Understanding the regulatory landscape for E142 requires comparing it with other commonly used food colourings. The table below outlines how E142 and a couple of other synthetic colours are regulated in different parts of the world.
| Food Colouring | European Union (EU) | United States (US) | Key Differences & Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| E142 (Green S) | Approved for specific food categories. | Banned and not permitted for use in food products. | A synthetic green dye used in confectionery, desserts, and canned goods in approved regions. Also known as Brilliant Green. |
| E133 (Brilliant Blue FCF) | Approved for use in various foods. | Approved as FD&C Blue No. 1. | Synthetic blue dye, often mixed with yellow dyes to create green colours. Widely used in beverages, ice cream, and processed foods. |
| E102 (Tartrazine) | Approved with restrictions and a mandatory warning label (may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children). | Approved as FD&C Yellow No. 5. | Synthetic yellow dye commonly used in sweets, cakes, and soft drinks. Restrictions were introduced in the EU based on hyperactivity concerns. |
The stark difference in regulation, particularly the ban in the US and Canada, highlights the varied approaches of food safety authorities globally regarding synthetic food additives. While the EU has permitted E142, the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is set at 5 mg/kg of body weight. This regional disparity is a key factor for consumers to consider when purchasing imported goods.
How to identify E142 on a food label
For those who wish to avoid or monitor their intake of E142, understanding food labels is crucial. In countries where it is permitted, the ingredient list will typically include "E142" or its common name, "Green S". It is important to remember that manufacturers are required to list all food additives used in their products. Therefore, a careful examination of the ingredients will reveal its presence. If a label simply lists "colouring" or a generic term, it might be necessary to look up the specific colour number or contact the manufacturer for clarification. Given that E142 is not a permitted food additive in the US, consumers there will not find it listed in domestically produced goods.
Consumer concerns and the role of regulation
While E142 is generally considered safe within regulatory limits by approving authorities like EFSA, some concerns and reports of adverse reactions have been noted. These include potential links to hyperactivity in children and reports of allergies or other sensitivities in some individuals. The presence of trace heavy metals, such as aluminium, has also raised additional health concerns. For these reasons, many health-conscious consumers and those with sensitivities prefer to avoid such additives where possible. The ongoing debate over the long-term health effects of synthetic food colorants, despite safety assessments, continues to fuel consumer demand for products with natural alternatives.
Conclusion
E142, commonly known as Green S, is a widely used synthetic food colouring found in a broad spectrum of processed food products, particularly in sweets, desserts, and canned vegetables within regions like the European Union. Its use is, however, strictly prohibited in several major economies, including the United States, Canada, and Japan, due to differing regulatory assessments and potential health concerns. Consumers can identify E142 by checking the ingredient list for the specific E number or its common name. With ongoing discussions about synthetic additives, many people are turning towards natural alternatives, reinforcing the importance of reading and understanding food labels to make informed dietary choices.
Foods that don't contain E142
To provide context for those aiming to avoid synthetic colourings like E142, it is helpful to list food categories that naturally possess green pigments or are typically free of such additives. Examples include most fresh produce, such as broccoli, spinach, and kale, which get their colour from chlorophyll. Naturally green products like avocado, green tea, and limes also get their colour from natural compounds. Many organic food products are manufactured without synthetic dyes, opting for natural colourings instead. When in doubt, checking for explicit declarations of 'no artificial colours' on packaging is a reliable method to ensure a product is free from E142 and similar additives.
