Ascorbic acid
What is Ascorbic acid?
Ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties. It is a form of vitamin C, essential for human health. It can be produced commercially through chemical synthesis or by microbial fermentation.
Is Ascorbic acid vegan?
Ascorbic acid is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Ascorbic acid a major allergen?
Ascorbic acid is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Ascorbic acid used for?
Ascorbic acid is widely used as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage and maintain the colour and flavour of foods.
Is Ascorbic acid safe?
Ascorbic acid is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Ascorbic acid is widely used as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage and maintain the colour and flavour of foods. It is particularly effective in preventing the browning of fruits and vegetables and the oxidation of fats. You'll find it in a wide range of products including baked goods, processed meats, fruit juices, and snacks.
Health notes
Ascorbic acid is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It functions as an antioxidant (E300). JECFA and EFSA have evaluated ascorbic acid and its salts, and acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) have been established. It is an essential nutrient for humans, playing a role in immune function and collagen synthesis. High doses are generally well-tolerated, though very large amounts can cause digestive upset.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.5 dehydrated milk as defined by directive 2001/114/ec | No numerical limit listed |
| 2.1 fats and oils essentially free from water (excluding anhydrous milk fat) | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.1.2 peeled cut and shredded fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.1.3 frozen fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.4.2 compote excluding products covered by category 16 | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.1 Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.2.1 flours | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.4.1 Fresh pasta | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.4.3 Fresh pre-cooked pasta | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.1.1 Bread prepared solely with the following ingredients: wheat flour, water, yeast or leaven, salt | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.1.2 Pain courant français; Friss búzakenyér, Fehér és Félbarna kenyerek | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.1.1 Unprocessed fish | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.1.1 Unprocessed fish | 300 |
| 9.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 300 |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 200 |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 300 |
| 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices | No numerical limit listed |
| 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar products | No numerical limit listed |
| 14.2.1 beer and malt beverages | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Ascorbic acid is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not derived from any of these allergens.
Foods that contain Ascorbic acid
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