What is Ascorbic acid (E300)?
Last updated on: 12/19/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
9
/10
Low Concern
Generally safe when used within regulatory limits.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Ascorbic acid is commonly known as Vitamin C, it is a naturally occurring organic acid used in foods primarily as an antioxidant compound. It helps prevent oxidation, preserves color and freshness, and protects nutrients from degradation.
Safety Summary
- Approved by all major regulatory bodies worldwide under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
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It has a long history of safe use both as a nutrient and as a food additive.
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No specific sensitivity groups have been identified by EFSA for its use as a food additive.
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No numerical average daily intake (ADI) has been specified by EFSA, FDA, or WHO for use as a food additive, reflecting its low toxicological concern at typical dietary exposures.
Who should be cautious?
None identified by EFSA under dietary exposure
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E300 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-300 |
|
Category : |
Preservative |
|
Sub-category : |
Acidity regulator, Antioxidant, Flour treatment agent,Sequestrant |
|
Origin : |
Naturally occurring (commercially produced) |
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Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
300, L-Ascorbic acid; Vitamin C |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Sodium ascorbate (E301), Calcium ascorbate (E302), Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) |
Common Products
You may find ascorbic acid in the following food products:
- Juices, Soft drinks,
- Bread & flour,
- Processed fruits & vegetables,
- Grape Wine,
- Milk powder and cream powder, etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Used in food consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice; no specific numerical limit beyond GMP. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Not specified (ADI not required). Use is controlled through authorised food categories and maximum permitted levels. |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Maximum permitted levels vary by food category; most categories are approved under good manufacturing practice limits. |
Health concerns
- EFSA evaluated toxicological data for ascorbic acid. The panel did not identify any safety concerns for the general population when used as a food additive at reported use levels.
- No evidence of genotoxicity or carcinogenicity was identified by EFSA, and it was noted that ascorbic acid is well tolerated by the general population.
- At very high supplemental intakes (far above food additive exposure), mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, but this is not linked to normal food additive use.
- No specific sensitive population groups have been identified by EFSA, FDA, WHO, or FSSAI for ascorbic acid used as a food additive.
Conclusions
Ascorbic acid (E300) is universally approved by major food safety authorities and has no identified sensitive groups when used within GMP levels, it is considered safe and well tolerated.