What is Sodium ascorbate (E301)?
Last updated on: 12/20/2025
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.
Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is used as a food preservative primarily for its antioxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidation and maintain product quality. Compared to ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate is less acidic, making it useful in products where pH control is important.
Safety Summary
- Approved by all major regulatory bodies under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
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Sodium ascorbate is a water-soluble, antioxidant compound closely related to vitamin C.
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It has a long history of safe use as both a nutrient source and 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 ADI has been specified by EFSA, FDA, and WHO indicating low toxicological concern at typical dietary exposure levels.
Who should be cautious?
None identified by EFSA under dietary exposure
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E301 |
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INS Number : |
INS-301 |
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Category : |
Preservative |
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Sub-category : |
Antioxidant, Flour treatment agent |
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Origin : |
Nature occuring (commercially produced) |
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Used In : |
Food |
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Alternative Names : |
301, Sodium salt of ascorbic acid |
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Similar Ingredients : |
Ascorbic acid (E300), Calcium ascorbate (E302), Potassium ascorbate (E303) |
Common Products
You may find it in the following food products:
- Infant formulae,
- Fruit juice,
- Concentrates for fruit juice,
- Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
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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 data on sodium ascorbate; the panel did not identify any safety concerns when used as a food additive at reported use levels.
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No evidence of genotoxicity or carcinogenicity was identified by EFSA.
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Sodium ascorbate is well tolerated by the general population, and no specific sensitive population groups have been identified by EFSA, FDA, or WHO.
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At extremely high intakes, usually from supplements rather than food, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, but this is not associated with normal food additive exposure.
Conclusions
Sodium ascorbate (E301) is widely approved by major food safety authorities and has not identified any sensitive groups. When used within GMP levels, it is considered safe and well tolerated.