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A range of reference materials of E141 will be obtained from commercial sources for use as analytical standards. Liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) will be attempted to characterise and profile chlorophyll/chlorophyllin classes and to measure the total and chlorophyllin-bound copper content of standards, formulations and food extracts. The contribution of naturally-occurring chlorophyll derivatives will be assessed by analysing spiked and control foodstuffs. The method will be validated to determine the target analytes with a measuring limit equivalent to 15 mg/kg of the colouring matter as defined in the EU specifications. The accuracy, precision, inter and intra-batch robustness of the developed technique will be determined using a number of matrix types (representative of the scope of foodstuffs permitted to contain E141).
Copper chlorophyllins are obtained by the addition of a copper salt to extracted plant material and is used as a colour in a variety of foods. Methods of measuring copper complexes of chlorophyllins (E141) in foods consumed within the UK are lacking, this project will investigate a range of techniques to develop a suitable method.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.