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Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls (E141) — What You Need to Know

Generally Safe(7/10)Nature-Identical

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls?

Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls are produced by replacing the magnesium atom in natural chlorophyll with copper, creating a much more stable green pigment. This modification makes the color resistant to heat, light, and acid, unlike natural chlorophylls (E140).

What Is It Used For?

Provides a stable bright green color in foods where natural chlorophyll would degrade. Widely used in EU confectionery, canned vegetables, and beverages.

Function: Green food coloring (copper-modified chlorophyll)

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
15 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): Not approved in US
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Approved in EU with ADI of 15 mg/kg bw/day (re-evaluated 2015)
⚠️ Key Concerns

The copper complexation makes chlorophyll more stable to heat, light, and acid compared to natural E140. EFSA set ADI at 15 mg/kg bw/day based on copper content — excess copper intake can cause gastrointestinal effects. Not approved in the US. The 2015 EFSA re-evaluation noted that exposure was well below the ADI for all population groups.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls an editorial context label of Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 1.2 points above the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2015.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Green confectionery (EU)Canned peas (EU)Chewing gumBeveragesIce cream
Example brands:
Bonduelle (EU canned vegetables)Rowntree's (EU confectionery)

Always check the label for E141 or 'Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C34H31CuN4Na3O6
Molecular Weight: 724.15 g/mol
CAS Number: 11006-34-1
INS Number: 141
Also known as: E141, Copper Chlorophyllin, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, CI Natural Green 3 (copper complex), INS 141

Frequently Asked Questions about Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls

Current dataset status: FDA — Not approved in US; EFSA/EU — Approved in EU with ADI of 15 mg/kg bw/day (re-evaluated 2015). Reported concerns: The copper complexation makes chlorophyll more stable to heat, light, and acid compared to natural E140. EFSA set ADI at 15 mg/kg bw/day based on copper content — excess copper intake can cause gastrointestinal effects. Not approved in the US. The 2015 EFSA re-evaluation noted that exposure was well below the ADI for all population groups. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E141
INS Number
141
Category
Colorings
Origin
Nature-Identical
FDA Status
Not approved in US
EFSA Status
Approved in EU with ADI of 15 mg/kg bw/day (re-evaluated 2015)
ADI
15 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2015
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other colorings in the same family

Chlorophylls (E140)Beta-Carotene (E160a)Curcumin (E100)