About
Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a water-soluble, semi-synthetic green colorant derived from chlorophyll by alkaline hydrolysis (replacing the phytyl and methyl ester groups with sodium/potassium) and substitution of the central magnesium atom with copper. It is used to impart a bright, stable green colour to foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Safety summary
EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation found the available toxicological database inadequate to fully confirm safety, noting that some Cu-chlorophyllin components can be absorbed systemically, and that data on genotoxicity and carcinogenicity were insufficient or discrepant. JECFA established a provisional ADI of 0–15 mg/kg body weight per day (as the colour class), but the EU re-evaluation placed the additive under active data-call scrutiny. The additive is currently permitted in the EU under E141(ii) but remains under review pending new carcinogenicity and genotoxicity data.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Restricted | FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 permit only plain chlorophyll (with both chlorophyll a and b) as a colouring food matter; sodium copper chlorophyllin is not explicitly listed as a permitted food colour.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Restricted | Approved as a color additive exempt from batch certification under 21 CFR 73.125 (food use) and 21 CFR 73.1125 (drug use); food use is limited to citrus-based dry beverage mixes at no more than 0.2% of the dry mix. Federal Register Vol. 67, No. 97 (2002).source |
| National Health Commission (NHC) (China) | Approved | Recognised as copper–sodium chlorophyllin (CNS 0.009); allowed for use in specific food categories with fixed maximum levels under the National Food Safety Standard for Food Additives (GB 2760).source |
| MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) (Japan) | Approved | Listed as a designated food additive (No. 265: sodium–copper chlorophyllin) under the Japanese Food Sanitation Law; specific target foods and maximum limits are defined in national regulations.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1PubMed. Green Natural Colorants (PMC6337735), 2019. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2EFSA. Safety and efficacy of copper complexes of chlorophylls for ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents and of copper complexes of chlorophyllins for all animal species, 2016. efsa.europa.eu
- 3EFSA. Scientific Opinion on re-evaluation of copper complexes of chlorophylls (E 141(i)) and chlorophyllins (E 141(ii)) as food additives, 2015. efsa.europa.eu
- 4FDA. Listing of Color Additives Exempt from Certification; Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin — 21 CFR 73.125, 2002. accessdata.fda.gov
- 5WHO. JECFA Evaluation: Chlorophyllins, Copper Complexes, Sodium and Potassium Salts (INS 141(ii)), 1978. apps.who.int
