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ColourINS 141
E141

Copper chlorophyllins

What you need to know

Copper chlorophyllins are green colours made from chlorophyll — the pigment in plant leaves — stabilised with copper.

They are the usual natural way to colour sweets and drinks green.

Regulators consider them low concern at permitted levels.

Where it stands, by region

The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.

🇦🇺AU / NZApproved
Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code).
🇪🇺EUApproved
Permitted (EFSA).
🇺🇸USApproved
Permitted (FDA).
🇨🇦CAApproved
Permitted (Health Canada).

Health evidence

How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.

Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown

Copper complexes of chlorophyllins, from plant material such as grass and lucerne. JECFA ADI 15 mg/kg bw/day.

Synthesis: Natural-derived (plant)ADI 15 mg/kg bw/day