To investigate the status of synthetic pigments in processed meat in Wuhan city. Methods Stratified sampling was used to collect processed meat products, such as pork, beef, poultry, mixed meat from supermarket, country fair and boutique. The synthetic pigments (lemon yellow, amaranth, carmine, sunset yellow, brilliant blue, new red, allurared, red 2G, acid red, erythrosine, acid orange) in processed meat were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The synthetic pigments were detected in 1 308 processed meat samples, and the detection rate was 28.06%. The detection rate in sausage was the highest, which was 54.90%. The detection rate of synthetic pigments in suburb and development area was higher than the central city. The detection rate of synthetic pigments in country fair was higher than others. Conclusion The illegal use of synthetic pigments was serious in Wuhan, and the authorities should strengthen supervision.