YenzoWhat is E141 (copper complexes of chlorophylls)?
It is the copper complexes of chlorophylls (INS 141(i)) and chlorophyllins (INS 141(ii)), used as colours to give a green shade.
E141Copper complexes of chlorophylls
E141 is the copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, plant green pigments in which copper replaces magnesium. In food it gives a stable green colour.
Did you know? According to EFSA, the copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins are prepared from sources such as grass, lucerne and nettle, which are not regarded as edible plant material or food for humans.
- Code
- E141 · INS 141
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E141 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (141), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (141)colour 141E141INS 141
INS sub-codes
INS 141(i)Chlorophylls, copper complexes
INS 141(ii)Chlorophyllins, copper complexes, sodium and potassium salts
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Copper complexes of chlorophylls in food
Non-alcoholic drinksChewing gumEdible ices and fruit ice creamBaked goodsPotato and cereal snacksCooked noodles and pastaDipping sauces and saucesSoup and broth cubes
Questions about copper complexes of chlorophylls
Is copper complex of chlorophyll (E 141) harmful?
In 2015 EFSA concluded that the safety of use of copper complexes of chlorophylls (E 141(i)) and chlorophyllins (E 141(ii)) as food additives cannot be assessed because reliable data on absorption, metabolism and long-term effects were lacking, and that the current ADI should be withdrawn. EFSA also noted that, given their manufacturing process, they cannot be regarded as natural compounds.
Is E141 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin copper complexes (INS 141(i) và 141(ii)) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour.
Other colours
E132Indigotine (indigo carmine)lowE133Brilliant blue FCFlowE140Chlorophylls and chlorophyllinsvery lowE142Green SlowE143Fast green FCFlowE150Caramel colour (class not printed)low
See all colours →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e141)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A và 2B: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 141
- EFSA Journal (2015). Scientific Opinion on re-evaluation of copper complexes of chlorophylls (E 141(i)) and chlorophyllins (E 141(ii)) as food additives