Chlorophylls, copper complexes

INS 141(i)

Listed as a colour by Codex and the EU.

Listed as colours (EU, Codex)

These are chlorophylls in which the central magnesium atom has been replaced by copper, producing a much more stable green that survives heat and acidity. They are used in confectionery, drinks and dairy products.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Chlorophylls, copper complexes by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

47 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category
  • 0.2 Colourings — GMP
  • 0.3 Flavourings — GMP
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milk — GMP
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk products — GMP
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milk — GMP
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc) — GMP
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powder — GMP
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — GMP
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugar — GMP
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweeteners — GMP
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixture — GMP
  • 12.1.3 Salt substitute — GMP
  • 12.3 Vinegars and related products — GMP
  • 12.5 Yeast and yeast products — GMP
  • 12.6 Vegetable protein products — GMP
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods — GMP
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foods — GMP
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposes — GMP
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda waters — GMP
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juices — GMPFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only.
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice products — GMP
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinks — GMP
  • 14.1.4 Formulated Beverages — GMP
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol wines — GMP
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine products — GMP
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueurs — GMP
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2 — GMP
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of water — GMPNot for olive oil.
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter products — GMP
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar products — GMP
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil) — GMP
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14 — GMP
  • 3 Ice cream and edible ices — GMP
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetables — GMP
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa products — GMPPermitted on the surface of chocolate only.
  • 5.2 Sugar confectionery — GMP
  • 5.4 Icings and frostings — GMP
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal products — GMP
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta) — GMP
  • 7 Breads and bakery products — GMP
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — GMP
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — GMPNot for sausage or sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat.
  • 8.4 Edible casings — GMP
  • 8.5 Animal protein products — GMP
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish products — GMP
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 46 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaNo listing matchedHealth Canada’s lists name additives without E or INS numbers, so this site matches them by exact name. A substance listed there under a name this site does not recognise has no row here.Related listing with permitted uses here: Chlorophyllin copper complexes, potassium and sodium salts. This site cannot tell whether that listing covers this exact form.
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

45 food categories

Show every food category
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Note 74: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.5 dehydrated milk as defined by directive 2001/114/ec — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except unflavoured products.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.2 ripened cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only sage derby cheese, green and red pesto cheese, wasabi, cheese and green marbled herb cheese.
  • 1.7.3 edible cheese rind — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.4 whey cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.5 processed cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured processed cheese.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding tomato-based sauces.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding cidre bouché, cydr jakościowy, perry jakościowe, cydr lodowy, perry lodowe.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding wino owocowe jakościowe.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except miód pitny jakościowy’.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except: spirit drinks as defined in categories 1-17, 22, 36, 37 and 41 of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/787.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014 only food supplements in syrup form. Note 69: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 18.3 Food specially produced to reduce the gluten content of gluten-containing ingredients or substitute the gluten-containing ingredients — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only vegetables (excluding olives).
  • 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. Only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. except chestnut puree.
  • 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. except chestnut purée.
  • 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. except crème de pruneaux.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 72: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 6.3 breakfast cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only breakfast cereals other than extruded, puffed and/or fruit flavoured breakfast cereals.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except edible external coating of pasturmas.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only fish paste and crustacean paste.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma, Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus.
  • 9.3 fish roe — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar).
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 44 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

51 food categories

Show every food category
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.5 Dehydrated milk as defined by Directive 2001/114/EC — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except unflavoured products.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.2 Ripened cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only sage Derby cheese, green and red pesto cheese, wasabi cheese and green marbled herb cheese.
  • 1.7.3 Edible cheese rind — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.4 Whey cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured processed cheese.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only seasonings, for example curry powder, tandoori Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (70): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 120 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding tomato-based sauces.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.4 Foods suitable for people intolerant to gluten as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding cidre bouché.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Excluding wino owocowe markowe.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except: spirit drinks as defined in Article 5(1) and sales denominations listed in Annex II, paragraphs 1-14 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and spirits (preceded by the name of the fruit) obtained by maceration and distillation, Geist (with the name of the fruit or the raw material used), London Gin, Sambuca, Maraschino, Marrasquino or Maraskino and Mistrà.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (71): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — several limitsAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. (1) quantum satis: no further restriction; (2) quantum satis: Period of application: from 1 August 2014 only food supplements in syrup form. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 3 Edible ices — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (75): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine — several limitsAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. (1) quantum satis: only preserves of red fruit; (2) quantum satis: only vegetables (excluding olives).
  • 4.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. quantum satis. only preserves of red fruit.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — several limitsAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. (1) quantum satis: only preserves of red fruit; (2) quantum satis: Only seaweed based fish roe analogues.
  • 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. quantum satis. except chestnut purée.
  • 4.2.5.3 Other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except crème de pruneaux.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (72): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only breakfast cereals other than extruded, puffed and/or fruit-flavoured breakfast cereals.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except edible external coating of pasturmas.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma , Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — several limitsAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. (1) quantum satis: only fish paste and crustacean paste; (2) quantum satis: only precooked crustacean; (3) quantum satis: only smoked fish.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisAuthorised under E 141, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except Sturgeons’ eggs (Caviar).
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)and 50 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyPermitted, with conditions
Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. …

Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 동클로로필 (“Copper Chlorophyll”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 동클로로필: 착색료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 동클로로필: (1) [may be used only in the foods listed; sets a limit on the amount used] “동클로로필은 아래의 식품에 한하여 사용하여야 한다. 동클로로필의 사용량은 동으로서 1. 다시마 : 무수물 1kg에 대하여 0.15g 이하 2. 과일류의 저장품, 채소류의 저장품 : 0.1g/kg 이하 3. 추잉껌, 캔디류 :” (2) “0.05g/kg 이하 4. 완두콩통조림 중의 한천 : 0.0004g/kg 이하 5. 건강기능식품(정제의 제피 또는 캡슐에 한함) : 0.1g/kg 이하(색소의 사용량은 총 중량 기준으로 적용) 6. 캡슐류 : 0.35g/kg 이하” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.

Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

57 food categories

highest permitted level 700 mg/kg

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.1.4 Flavoured Fluid Milk Drinks — 50 mg/kg
    • Note 52 Excluding chocolate milk.
    • Note 190 Except for use in fermented milk drinks at 500 mg/kg.
  • 01.6.1 Unripened cheese — 50 mg/kg
    • Note 484 Except for use in products conforming to the Group Standard for Unripened Cheese including Fresh Cheese (CXS 221-2001) at 15 mg/kg.
    • Note XS273 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cottage Cheese (CXS 273-1968).
    • Note XS275 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream Cheese (CXS 275-1973).
    • Note 237 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Mozzarella (CXS 262-2006) at 5 mg/kg in cheese mass only, to obtain the colour characteristic of the product.
  • 01.6.2.1 Ripened cheese, includes rind — 15 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note XS208 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cheese in Brine (CODEX STAN 208-1999).
    • Note XS263 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cheddar (CXS 263-1966).
    • Note XS264 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Danbo (CXS 264-1966).
    • Note XS265 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Edam (CXS 265-1966).
    • Note XS266 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Gouda (CXS 266-1966).
    • Note XS267 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Havarti (CXS 267-1966).
    • Note XS268 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Samsø (CXS 268-1966).
    • Note XS269 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Emmental (CXS 269-1967).
    • Note XS270 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Tilsiter (CXS 270-1968).
    • Note XS271 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Saint-Paulin (CXS 271-1968).
    • Note XS272 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Provolone (CXS 272-1968).
    • Note XS274 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Coulommiers (CXS 274-1969).
    • Note XS276 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Camembert (CXS 276-1973).
    • Note XS277 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Brie (CXS 277-1973).
  • 01.6.2.2 Rind of ripened cheese — 75 mg/kg
  • 01.6.2.3 Cheese powder (for reconstitution; e.g. for cheese sauces) — 50 mg/kg
  • 01.6.4.2 Flavoured processed cheese, including containing fruit, vegetables, meat, etc. — 50 mg/kg
  • 01.6.5 Cheese analogues — 50 mg/kg
  • 01.7 Dairy-based desserts (e.g. pudding, fruit or flavoured yoghurt) — 500 mg/kg
  • 02.4 Fat-based desserts excluding dairy-based dessert products of food category 01.7 — 500 mg/kg
  • 03.0 Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet — 500 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.10 Fermented fruit products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
  • 04.1.2.11 Fruit fillings for pastries — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
  • 04.1.2.12 Cooked fruit — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
  • 04.1.2.3 Fruit in vinegar, oil, or brine — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
  • 04.1.2.4 Canned or bottled (pasteurized) fruit — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note 267 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Certain Canned Fruits (CODEX STAN 319-2015) except for use in special holiday packs for canned pears conforming to the standard.
  • 04.1.2.5 — 200 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.6 Fruit-based spreads (e.g. chutney) excluding products of food category — 150 mg/kg
    • Note XS160 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Mango Chutney (CODEX STAN 160-1987).
  • 04.1.2.7 Candied fruit — 250 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.8 Fruit preparations, including pulp, purees, fruit toppings and coconut milk — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note 182 Excluding coconut milk.
    • Note XS314R Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Date Paste (CODEX STAN 314R-2013).
  • 04.1.2.9 Fruit-based desserts, incl. fruit-flavoured water-based desserts — 150 mg/kg
  • 04.2.2.5 Vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweed, and nut and seed purees and spreads (e.g. peanut butter) — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note XS57 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Processed Tomato Concentrates (CODEX STAN 57-1981).
  • 04.2.2.6 Vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweed, and nut and seed pulps and preparations (e.g. vegetable desserts and sauces, candied vegetables) other than food category 04.2.2.5 — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note 92 Excluding tomato-based sauces.
    • Note XS57 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Processed Tomato Concentrates (CODEX STAN 57-1981).
    • Note XS259R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Tehena (CODEX STAN 259R-2007).
    • Note XS308R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for Harissa (Red Hot Pepper Paste) (CXS 308R-2011).
  • 04.2.2.7 Fermented vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera) and seaweed products, excluding fermented soybean products of food categories 06.8.6, 06.8.7, 12.9.1, — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note XS294 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Gochujang (CXS 294-2009).
  • 04.2.2.8 Cooked or fried vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), and seaweeds — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note XS323R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for Laver Products (CXS 323R-2017).
    • Note XS334R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for fermented cooked Cassava-based products (Africa) (CXS 334R-2020).
  • 05.1.3 Cocoa-based spreads, incl. fillings — 6.4 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note XS86 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cocoa Butter (CODEX STAN 86-1981).
  • 05.1.4 Cocoa and chocolate products — 700 mg/kg
    • Note 183 For use in surface decoration only.
  • 05.1.5 Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products — 700 mg/kg
  • 05.2.1 Hard candy — 700 mg/kg
  • 05.2.2 Soft candy — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS309R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Halawa Tehenia (CODEX STAN 309R-211).
  • 05.2.3 Nougats and marzipans — 100 mg/kg
  • 05.3 Chewing gum — 700 mg/kg
  • 05.4 Decorations (e.g. for fine bakery wares), toppings (non-fruit), and sweet sauces — 100 mg/kg
  • 06.4.3 Pre-cooked pastas and noodles and like products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note 153 For use in instant noodles only.
    • Note XS364R Excluding use in products conforming to the Regional standard for quick-frozen dumplings (CXS 364R-2026).
  • 06.5 Cereal and starch based desserts (e.g. rice pudding, tapioca pudding) — 75 mg/kg
  • 06.8.1 Soybean-based beverages — 30 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note 643 For use only in composite/ flavoured soybean beverages and soybean-based beverages conforming to the Regional Standard for Non-Fermented Soybean Products (Asia) (CXS 322R-2015).
  • 07.1.4 Bread-type products, including bread stuffing and bread crumbs — 6 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note 398 Some Codex Members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this food category while others limit this food category to products without these additives.
  • 07.2 Fine bakery wares (sweet, salty, savoury) and mixes — 75 mg/kg
  • 09.2.3 Frozen minced and creamed fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
  • 09.2.4.1 Cooked fish and fish products — 30 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
  • 09.2.4.3 Fried fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
  • 09.2.5 Smoked, dried, fermented, and/or salted fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 200 mg/kg
    • Note XS167 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Fish and Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae Family of Fishes (CODEX STAN 167-1989).
    • Note XS189 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Shark Fins (CODEX STAN 189-1993).
    • Note XS222 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater Fish, Crustaceans and Molluscan Shellfish (CODEX STAN 222-2001).
    • Note XS236 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Boiled Dried Salted Anchovies (CODEX STAN 236-2003).
    • Note XS244 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and Salted Sprat (CODEX STAN 244-2004).
    • Note XS311 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked-flavoured Fish and Smoke-dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013).
  • 09.3.1 Fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms, marinated and/or in jelly — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.3.2 Fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms, pickled and/or in brine — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.3.3 Salmon substitutes, caviar and other fish roe products — 200 mg/kg
    • Note XS291 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Sturgeon Caviar (CODEX STAN 291-2010).
  • 09.3.4 Semi-preserved fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms (e.g. fish paste), excluding products of food categories 09.3.1 - 09.3.3 — 75 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
  • 09.4 Fully preserved, including canned or fermented fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
    • Note XS3 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Salmon (CODEX STAN 3-1981).
    • Note XS37 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Shrimps or Prawns (CODEX STAN 37-1991).
    • Note XS70 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Tuna and Bonito (70-1981).
    • Note XS90 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Crab Meat (CODEX STAN 90-1981).
    • Note XS94 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CODEX STAN 94-1981).
    • Note XS119 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Finfish (CODEX STAN 119-1981).
  • 10.4 Egg-based desserts (e.g. custard) — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 2 On the dry ingredient, dry weight, dry mix or concentrate basis.
  • 11.4 Other sugars and syrups (e.g. xylose, maple syrup, sugar toppings) — 64 mg/kg
    • Note 62 As copper.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 500 mg/kg
  • 12.4 Mustards — 500 mg/kg
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 400 mg/kg
    • Note 342 For use of chlorophylls, copper complexes (INS 141(i)) only in products conforming to the Codex Standard for Bouillons and Consommés (CODEX STAN 117-1981).
  • 12.6 Sauces and like products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS302 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fish Sauce (CODEX STAN 302-2011).
    • Note 578 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Chili Sauce (CXS 306-2011): Chlorophylls, copper complexes (INS 141(i)) only at 30 mg/kg as copper.
  • 13.6 Food supplements — 500 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
  • 14.1.4 Water-based flavoured drinks, including "sport," “energy,” or "electrolyte" drinks and particulated drinks — 300 mg/kg
  • 15.1 Snacks - potato, cereal, flour or starch based (from roots and tubers, pulses and legumes) — 350 mg/kg
  • 15.2 Processed nuts, including coated nuts and nut mixtures (with e.g. dried fruit) — 100 mg/kg
  • 15.3 Snacks - fish based — 350 mg/kg
CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 141(i)and 56 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand—47 GMP
European Union—45 quantum satis
Great Britain—4 several limits, 47 quantum satis
South Korea—1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius6 mg/kg – 700 mg/kg57 numeric limit

What it is made from

Made by treating plant-extracted chlorophylls with a copper salt, which exchanges the metal at the centre of the molecule. The copper is chemically bound rather than free, and specifications limit how much unbound copper may remain.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

ParameterEuropean UnionJECFA
Assayno less than 10 %no less than 10 %
Leadno more than 2 mg/kgno more than 5 mg/kg
Arsenicno more than 3 mg/kgno more than 3 mg/kg
Mercuryno more than 1 mg/kg—
Cadmiumno more than 1 mg/kg—

One parameter differs between the two documents. A difference is not a disagreement about safety: the two are revised on their own cycles, and an assay or a drying loss can be measured against a different preparation of the substance, which is why only the contaminant ceilings are marked. Within the EU the EU's figure is the one that binds.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 141(i) Copper complexes of chlorophylls

Copper chlorophylls are obtained by addition of a salt of copper to the substance obtained by solvent extraction of strains of edible plant material, grass, lucerne, and nettle. The product, from which the solvent has been removed, contains other pigments such as carotenoids as well as fats and waxes derived from the source material. The principal colouring matters are the copper phaeophytins. Only the following solvents may be used for the extraction: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dichloromethane, carbon dioxide, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol and hexane.

Synonyms: CI Natural Green 3; Copper Chlorophyll; Copper Phaeophytin

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Colour Index No
75810
Einecs
Copper chlorophyll a: 239-830-5; copper chlorophyll b: 246-020-5
Chemical name
[Phytyl (13²R,17S,18S)-3-(8-ethyl-13²-methoxycarbonyl-2,7,12,18-tetramethyl-13′-oxo-3-vinyl-13¹-13²-17,18-tetrahydrocyclopenta[at]-porphyrin-17-yl)propionate] copper (II) (Copper Chlorophyll a) [Phytyl (13²R,17S,18S)-3-(8-ethyl-7-formyl-13²-methoxycarbonyl-2,12,18-trimethyl-13′-oxo-3-vinyl-13¹-13²-17,18-tetrahydrocyclopenta[at]-porphyrin-17-yl)propionate] copper (II) (Copper chlorophyll b)
Chemical formula
Copper chlorophyll a: C₅₅H₇₂Cu N₄O₅ Copper chlorophyll b: C₅₅H₇₀Cu N₄O₆
Molecular weight
Copper chlorophyll a: 932,75 Copper chlorophyll b: 946,73
Assay
Content of total copper chlorophylls is not less than 10 %. [image] 540 at ca. 422 nm in chloroform [image] 300 at ca. 652 nm in chloroform
Description
Waxy solid ranging in colour from blue green to dark green depending on the source material

Identification

Spectrometry
Maximum in chloroform at ca. 422 nm and at ca. 652 nm

Purity criteria

Solvent residues
Acetone [image] | Not more than 50 mg/kg, singly or in combination Methyl ethyl ketone Methanol Ethanol Propan-2-ol Hexane
Dichloromethane:
not more than 10 mg/kg
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Copper ions
Not more than 200 mg/kg
Total copper
Not more than 8,0 % of the total copper phaeophytins

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 141(i)

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 141(i) Chlorophylls, Copper Complexes

Obtained by addition of an organic salt of copper to the substance obtained by solvent extraction of grass, lucerne, nettle and other plant material; the product, from which the solvent has been removed, contains other pigments such as carotenoids as well as fats and waxes derived from the source material; the principal colouring matters are the copper phaeophytins. Only the following solvents may be used for the extraction: Acetone, dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol and hexane.

Synonyms: Copper chlorophyll, copper phaeophytin, CI Natural Green 3; C.I. (1975) No. 75810, INS No. 141(i) CI (1975) No. 75810; CI Natural Green 3; Copper chlorophyll; Copper phaeophytin

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
Prepared at the 31st JECFA (1987), published in FNP 38 (1988) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002). An ADI of 0-15 mg/kg bw was established at the 13th JECFA (1969)
Chemical names
[Phytyl (13 2 R,17S,18S)-3-(8-ethyl-13 2 -methoxycarbonyl-2,7,12,18-tetramethyl-13 1 -oxo-3-vinyl-13 1 ,13 2 ,17,18-tetra-hydrocyclopenta [at]- prophyrin-17-yl)propionate] copper (II) (Copper chlorophyll a) [Phytyl (13 2 R,17S,18S)-3-(8-ethyl-7-formyl-13 2 -methoxycarbonyl-2,12,18-trimethyl-13 1 -oxo-3-vinyl-13 1 ,13 2 ,17,18-tetrahydro-cyclopenta [at]prophyrin-17-yl)propionate] copper (II) (Copper chlorophyll b)
C.A.S. number
65963-40-8
Chemical formula
Copper phaeophytin a: C55 H72Cu N405 Copper phaeophytin b: C55 H70Cu N406
Structural formula
where X = CH3 for the "a" compound X = CHO for the "b" compound
Formula weight
Copper phaeophytin a: 932.75 Copper phaeophytin b: 946.73
Assay
Not less than 10% of total copper phaeophytins
DESCRIPTION
Waxy solid ranging in colour from blue green to dark green depending on the source material.
FUNCTIONAL USES
Colour
METHOD OF ASSAY
Accurately weigh about 100 mg of the sample and dissolve in diethyl ether, making the volume to 100 ml. Dilute 2 ml of this solution to 25 ml with diethyl ether. The concentration of the sample should not give an absorbance at 660.4 nm that is in excess of the working range for Absorbance measurements, i.e., not in excess of 0.7. Measure the absorbances (A) of the solution in a 1 cm cell against a diethyl ether blank at 667.2 nm, 654.4 nm, 649.8 nm and 628.2 nm. (The latter two wavelengths being the absorbance maxima in diethyl ether for copper phaeophytin a and copper phaeophytin b respectively). Calculate the concentration of the individual compounds in micromoles per liter from the following equations: Copper phaeophytin a = 45.6 A (649.8nm) - 2.75 A (628.2nm) + 3.10 A (667.2nm)- 35.4 A (654.4nm) Copper phaeophytin b = -8.46 A (649.8nm)+ 20.7 A (628.2nm) - 1.69 A (667.2nm)+ 5.13 A (654.4nm) Convert the figures in micromoles per liter to percentages using the following equations:

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4)
Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroalkanes, hydrocarbons and fixed oils
Spectrophotometry (Vol. 4)
A (1%, 1 cm) at 422 nm in chloroform is not less than 54.
Thin-layer chromatography
Apply a 1 in 20 solution of the sample in chloroform as a band of the length of 2 cm to a Silica 60C plate. After drying, develop the plate by a mixture of 50% hexane, 45% chloroform and 5% ethanol (general purpose reagent grade chloroform is supplied with 2% of added ethanol as a stabilizer. The 5% ethanol in the solvent mixture is in addition to this), until the solvent ascends to a point 15 cm above the initial spots. Allow the solvent to evaporate, then visually chromatography examine the separated spots and identify the components of interests by their Rf values and colours. Approximate Rf values and colour of the spots are as follows: Copper phaeophytin a: 0.5, green Copper phaeophytin b: 0.73, yellow/green In addition spots may be visible for ß-carotene at Rf 0.81 and xanthophyll at Rf 0.47 and 0.23.

Purity criteria

Residual solvents (Vol. 4)
Acetone, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, hexane: Not more than 50 mg/kg, singly or in combination Dichloromethane: Not more than 10 mg/kg Determine gas chromatographically using either the method of entrainment distillation ( Determination of Residual Solvents ) or headspace analysis ( Limit Test for Solvent Residues ).
Free ionizable copper
Not more than 200 mg/kg Accurately weigh about 1 g of the sample and dissolve in 20 ml of arachid oil, with the aid of gentle heat. Add exactly 200 ml of water, stir mechanically, and adjust to pH 3.0 by careful addition of 0.5 N hydrochloric acid (avoid over-shooting). Allow the mixture to stand for 10 min. If necessary readjust to pH 3.0 by careful addition of 0.5 N hydrochloric acid. Transfer to a separating funnel and allow to stand for about 20 min. Filter the aqueous phase through a No. 50 Whatman filter paper, rejecting the first 10 ml. Subject this solution to analysis for copper by atomic absorption spectrometry (see Volume 4).
Total copper
Not more than 8% of the total copper phaeophytins Ignite about 0.1 g, accurately weighed, of the sample contained in a silica dish, at a temperature not exceeding 500º, until all carbon is removed; moisten with one or two drops of concentrated sulphuric acid and re-ash. Dissolve the ash by boiling with 3 portions (each of 5 ml) of 10% (w/w) hydrochloric acid, filtering each addition through the same small filter paper into a 100 ml volumetric flask. Cool, and make up to volume with purified water. Subject this solution to analysis for copper by atomic absorption spectrometry (see Volume 4).
Arsenic (Vol. 4)
Not more than 3 mg/kg (Method II)
Lead (Vol. 4)
Not more than 5 mg/kg Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”

FAO JECFA Monograph 1 (2006)

Every name it appears under

51 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E141

INS number

  • 141(i)

As it appears in regulation

  • Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins

Other names

  • CHLOROPHYLLS AND CHLOROPHYLLINS, COPPER COMPLEXES
  • Chlorophylls, copper complexes

Hazard reference values

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADI15 mg/kg bw/day—JECFA1969

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2015

    The ANS Panel concluded that reliable data on the absorption, genotoxicity, toxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity of copper chlorophylls (E 141(i)) and copper chlorophyllins (E 141(ii)) were lacking, so their safety as food additives could not be assessed and the existing ADI should be withdrawn. It also recommended updating the specifications to identify the components of the additives.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is INS 141(i)?
INS 141(i) is Chlorophylls, copper complexes. These are chlorophylls in which the central magnesium atom has been replaced by copper, producing a much more stable green that survives heat and acidity. They are used in confectionery, drinks and dairy products.
What is Chlorophylls, copper complexes used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role Codex and the EU assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Chlorophylls, copper complexes permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, the EU, Great Britain, South Korea and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Chlorophylls, copper complexes vegan?
Yes. Chlorophylls, copper complexes is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • kr retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

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