E141 (i) COPPER PHOPHYTHIN
E141 (ii) SODIUM OR POTASSIUM SALTS OF CHLOROPHYLL COMPLEXES WITH COPPER (C.I. 75810)
The cupric complexes of chlorophyll E141 are green dyes, of natural origin because they are derived from chlorophyll. Copper phaeophytes, on the other hand, are formed by the chemical de-esterification of chlorophyll and are water-soluble compounds, while the sodium and potassium salts of the chlorophyll complexes with copper are fat-soluble compounds.
E141s are often contained in chewing gum, packaged ice cream and sweets in general.
On this dye there are controversial ideas about the possible side effects, due to the not negligible amount of copper contained in it; however, no relevant side effects are confirmed. Copper is released when E141 is heated.
Episodes of asthma, skin reactions and respiratory allergies can occur in particularly predisposed subjects.
ADI DOSE: 15 mg per kg of body weight.