About
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is an essential water-soluble vitamin and potent antioxidant naturally present in fruits and vegetables, added to food to prevent oxidative degradation, maintain colour, and supplement nutritional content. It also enhances iron absorption and supports collagen synthesis.
Safety summary
Ascorbic acid is considered safe at food-use levels, with EFSA and FDA confirming no significant risk under normal conditions; adverse effects have only been reported at very high doses of several grams per day (e.g., >5 g/adult/day). No formal numerical ADI has been established by JECFA or EFSA for food additive use, as the available data did not allow setting a formal upper limit at any age. Individuals with kidney disease or G6PD deficiency should exercise caution with high supplemental doses.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Ascorbic acid and all additives based on it (E300–E304) are approved in Australia and New Zealand per FSANZ Food Standards Code.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Approved as E300 under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 at quantum satis (no specific maximum) for most food categories. EFSA 2015 re-evaluation confirmed safety. EU Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults from all sources is 1000 mg/day (set by SCF/EFSA NDA Panel, 2004). E301 (sodium ascorbate) and E302 (calcium ascorbate) are also approved.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | Approved E-number E300 retained post-Brexit; use at quantum satis in most food categories consistent with pre-Brexit EU rules.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted as food additive (INS 300) in the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Esters and salts of Vitamin C listed at GMP level; total level must not exceed the RDA specified by ICMR where no specific maximum is set by the Food Authority.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Food Additive Status List – Ascorbic Acid (21 CFR 182.3013, 182.5013, 182.8013). fda.gov
- 2FDA. Food Additive Status List – Ascorbic Acid. fda.gov
- 3FDA. GRAS Notice GRN-690 – Fruit and Vegetable Vitamin Extract (Ascorbic Acid safety data). fda.gov
- 4other. Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1419 – Use of ascorbic acid (E 300) and citric acid (E 330) on white vegetables, 2020. eur-lex.europa.eu
- 5PubMed. Opinion on the re-evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate (E 304i) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6other. The Use of Ascorbic Acid as a Food Additive: Technical-Legal Issues, 2016. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
