Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Food and Drugs § 21.73.125 Sodium copper chlorophyllin

(1) The color additive sodium copper chlorophyllin is a green to black powder prepared from chlorophyll by saponification and replacement of magnesium by copper. Chlorophyll is extracted from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using any one or a combination of the solvents acetone, ethanol, and hexane.

(2) Color additive mixtures made with sodium copper chlorophyllin may contain only those diluents that are suitable and are listed in this subpart as safe for use in color additive mixtures for coloring foods.

(1) Moisture, not more than 5.0 percent.

(2) Solvent residues (acetone, ethanol, and hexane), not more than 50 parts per million, singly or, in combination.

(3) Total copper, not less than 4 percent and not more than 6 percent.

(4) Free copper, not more than 200 parts per million.

(5) Lead (as Pb), not more than 10 parts per million.

(6) Arsenic (as As), not more than 3 parts per million.

(7) Mercury (as Hg), not more than 0.5 part per million.

(8) Ratio of absorbance at 405 nanometers (nm) to absorbance at 630 nm, not less than 3.4 and not more than 3.9.

(9) Total copper chlorophyllins, not less than 95 percent of the sample dried at 100 °C for 1 hour.