Sodium ascorbate
What is Sodium ascorbate?
Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It is produced by reacting ascorbic acid with a sodium source, such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide.
Is Sodium ascorbate gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Sodium ascorbate a major allergen?
Sodium ascorbate is not one of the 14 major allergens that require mandatory labelling in the UK.
What is Sodium ascorbate used for?
Sodium ascorbate is used as an antioxidant in a variety of foods, including cured meats, processed meats, and baked goods.
Is Sodium ascorbate safe?
Sodium ascorbate is an authorised food additive in the UK, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Sodium ascorbate is used as an antioxidant in a variety of foods, including cured meats, processed meats, and baked goods. It helps to preserve colour and flavour, and prevents spoilage by inhibiting oxidation.
Health notes
Sodium ascorbate is an authorised food additive in the UK, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is evaluated by EFSA and JECFA, who have considered its safety. As a form of Vitamin C, it contributes to the nutrient content of foods. Typical intakes are generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 300 |
| 9.1.1 Unprocessed fish | No numerical limit listed |
| 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 foods for infants and young children | 75 |
| 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 |
| 14.2.1 beer and malt beverages | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Sodium ascorbate is not one of the 14 major allergens that require mandatory labelling in the UK. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Sodium ascorbate
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