Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Food additive E141 is a group of natural green colorants consisting of copper complexes of chlorophylls and their derivatives. It is used in the food industry as a green colorant.
Additive E141 includes two main types of compounds:
- Copper complexes of chlorophylls (additive E141(i));
- Sodium and potassium salts of copper complexes of chlorophyllins (additive E141(ii)).
Additives of the E141 group are derivatives of E140 and are distinguished by increased thermal and light stability, as well as acid resistance.
Unlike the original chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, colorant E141 is soluble in water and water-alcohol solutions and retains an intense emerald-green color even during long-term storage.
E141 colorants are obtained from various edible plants — nettle, alfalfa, broccoli, etc. — using special solvents and adding copper salts.
Copper complexes E141 are actively used in the food industry: additive E141(i) is more often used in products with neutral or slightly acidic environments, such as ice cream, creams, dairy desserts, and butter-based sauces, whereas colorant E141(ii) is used in beverages, fermented dairy products, aqueous sauces, and confectionery.
The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings conducted a safety assessment of additives E141(i) and E141(ii) and noted that reliable data on the carcinogenicity and toxicity of copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins are currently insufficient, so their safety is evaluated with caution.
More detailed information on the properties of the additives, their impact on health, and existing studies can be found in materials dedicated to specific subtypes:
