Fast Green FCF - Synthetic Food Colour
Fast Green FCF is a synthetic green food colourant belonging to the triarylmethane class. Fast Green FCF is also known as Food Green 3, FD&C Green No. 3, C.I. Food Green 3, Solid Green FCF, C.I. 42053, and INS 143. It is a water-soluble colour and is used where manufacturers require a consistent and appealing green shade in applications permitted by the relevant regulations.
Fast Green FCF is available in powder, liquid and granule forms, making it a perfect food additive for a range of food products as well as some non-food applications such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Fast Green FCF provides a distinctive green to sea-green shade that can help manufacturers to achieve a consistent and recognizable appearance for their product.
History of Fast Green FCF
Fast Green FCF colourant has been used for many decades. Historical records show its presence in food-colour regulatory systems dating back to the early development of modern colour-additive regulation. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration database shows a food-use citation for Fast Green FCF in 1927. Today, its permitted applications and use levels depend on the regulations of the country and the specific food, drug or cosmetic application.
Technical Specifications of Fast Green FCF
Fast Green FCF is a disodium salt belonging to the triarylmethane class of colourants. Its chemical and technical identity is important when manufacturers are selecting a suitable grade for a particular application.
Fast Green FCF Quick Facts
| Property | Information |
| Common name | Fast Green FCF |
| Other names | Food Green 3, FD&C Green No. 3, Solid Green FCF |
| Colour class | Triarylmethane |
| Colour Index | C.I. 42053 |
| INS number | 143 |
| CAS Registry Number | 2353-45-9 |
| Molecular formula | C37H34N2Na2O10S3 |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 808.9 g/mol |
| Colour appearance | Green / sea-green |
| Type | Synthetic colourant |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Primary function | Colour |
Manufacturers should not select a Fast Green FCF grade only on the basis of its visual appeal. The colour also meets the specifications and regulatory requirements of the colour and destination market.
For commercial supply, customers should request the applicable Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification and regulatory documentation from their supplier.
Applications of Fast Green FCF
Fast Green FCF is used in a wide range of food as well as non-food applications where applicable regulations permit its use, including:- Food and beverages
- Confectionery
- Desserts and edible ices
- Certain dairy-based products
- Sauces and condiments
- Certain bakery and cereal-based products
- Pharmaceutical products
- Cosmetic items
Manufacturers should use high-quality Fast Green FCF colour in their products and properly verify all the required documents before using the colour on a commercial level.Proper technical and regulatory documentation can help manufacturers assess whether Fast Green FCF is suitable for their intended application and support the regulatory compliance process for their target market.Fast Green FCF vs Natural Green Colours
Let’s see the difference between Fast Green FCF and natural green colour solutions and see how they can serve different formulation requirements.
| Factor | Fast Green FCF | Natural Green Colour Solutions |
| Source | Synthetic | Derived from natural sources |
| Shade | Strong, defined green shade | Depends on the natural source |
| Batch consistency | Designed for consistent colour performance | Can vary depending on source and processing |
| Regulatory requirements | Must meet applicable synthetic-colour regulations | Must meet applicable natural-colour regulations |
| Processing performance | Depends on formulation and conditions | Depends on the natural pigment/source |
| Application suitability | Depends on permitted use and formulation | Depends on pigment stability and application |
| Cost | Depends on grade and supplier | Depends on source and processing |
There is no single colour that is best for every product. You should choose the right one according to your requirements, desired shade, formulation, processing conditions, regulatory standards and target market.
Fast Green FCF Regulatory Status
Fast Green FCF is regulated differently across countries and product categories. In the United States, the FDA lists FD&C Green No. 3 as a permanently listed colour additive subject to certification, with applicable regulations and conditions of use. In India, manufacturers must follow the applicable FSSAI requirements for the intended food category. JECFA has evaluated Fast Green FCF for safety and established an ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight.
Fast Green FCF is regulated differently in every country. In a country where it is permitted to use in a product does not mean that it is permitted for the same application in another country. To ensure the quality of colours and their safety for human consumption, these governmental bodies also conduct inspections, sample testing, and enforcement actions from time to time.
Why Choose Ajanta Food Colours for Fast Green FCF?
Ajanta Food Colours is a leading manufacturer of premium-quality synthetic food colours including Fast Green FCF in India with over 75 years of legacy. The company uses the latest machinery and technology in its manufacturing plants including ICP-OES for heavy-metal analysis, HPLC for organic impurities, UV spectrometry, thin-layer chromatography, moisture and loss-on-drying testing, and colour-matching systems.
At Ajanta Food Colours, we carefully monitor each stage of the manufacturing process and conduct quality checks to help ensure that the final product meets applicable product specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
Raw Material Inspection → Manufacturing → Filtration/Purification → Drying → Blending → Laboratory Testing → Shade Matching → Final Quality Control → Packaging
Key reasons manufacturers may choose Ajanta
- 75+ years of colour-manufacturing experience
- Five integrated manufacturing plants
- Supply across six continents
- Advanced analytical and colour-testing infrastructure
- Technical and R&D capabilities
- Food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic colour solutions
- International quality and certification systems
- Product documentation and regulatory support
- Bulk manufacturing and global supply capabilities
Ajanta received many awards and certificates for the quality and safety of their colourants. In these award and certificates include the Arch of Europe Award, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Award, certifications from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), as well as Halal, Alcumus ISOQAR, Star-K Kosher, Food Safety System 22000 (FSSC 22000), and ISOQAR certifications.Plus, Ajanta Food Colours offers proper documentation for their colourants such as Fast Green FCF, which helps manufacturers to sell their products without any problem. Manufacturers and distributors who purchase Fast Green FCF should request documentation appropriate to their application.Depending on the product and market, this may include:- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Product specification
- Regulatory compliance documentation
- Certification documents
- Packaging information
- Storage recommendations
- Application guidance
Documentation requirements can vary according to the intended use and destination country.Need Green FCF documentation quickly for your application? Please contact Ajanta Food Colours today to discuss your needs.