colour INS 141

Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins E141

natural (semi-synthetic derivative) — Primarily plant-derived with chemical modification.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Copper complexes of chlorophyll derivatives / Sodium copper chlorophyllin

CAS: 11006-34-1

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins is derived from plant materials — its origin is more natural than its E-number might suggest.

Beyond food, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~18 servings of canned peas (100g) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis in specific food categories mg/kg

ADI WITHDRAWN in 2015 due to insufficient safety data, but approval maintained at quantum satis levels

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Color additive for food use

Approved for use in food products

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved as designated additive (chemically modified natural)

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–15 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

withdrawn (2015 - insufficient data on ADME, genotoxicity, chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~18 of servings of canned peas (100g)

~50mg per serving

~75 of scoops of mint ice cream (60g)

~12mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: extraction and copper substitution

Chlorophyll is extracted from green plant materials (spinach, alfalfa, nettles) using food-grade solvents. The natural magnesium ion in the porphyrin ring is then replaced with copper through chemical treatment with copper salts. E141(i) is oil-soluble (retains phytol chain). E141(ii) is water-soluble (phytol chain hydrolyzed off). The copper stabilizes the green color and allows it to withstand pasteurization (85°C+) without degradation.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Natural-looking green colorant in cosmetic products

Medical

Dietary supplements; wound healing products

Industrial

Food supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (E141)?

Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (E141) is a colour used in food products. It is natural (semi-synthetic derivative) and plant-derived with chemical modification. Semi-synthetic derivative of natural chlorophyll. While base chlorophyll is extracted from plants (spinach, alfalfa, nettles), the copper complex does not occur in nature. Created by replacing magnesium ion with copper, which makes the green colour 10-100x more stable to heat, acid, and light than natural chlorophyll.

What is the ADI for Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins is 0–15 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins?

Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins is used in various food categories including Dried vegetables, Vegetables in vinegar, oil or brine. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins the same as Natural Green 3?

Yes, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins is also known as Natural Green 3, Copper chlorophyllin, CI 75810. These are different names for the same substance.