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Answer: Ascorbic Acid is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Tropicana Orange Juice, Arnold Bread, Oscar Mayer Bologna.
TL;DR: Ascorbic Acid is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (preservative).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called vitamin C. (E300) CAS 50-81-7.
Other names: vitamin C, E300, L-ascorbic acid, INS 300
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Tropicana Orange Juice, Arnold Bread, Oscar Mayer Bologna, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Various multivitamins |
| CAS number | 50-81-7 |
Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C, an essential water-soluble vitamin found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. As a food additive (E300), it functions as an antioxidant preservative, preventing oxidative browning and rancidity. Commercial ascorbic acid is produced by fermentation of glucose, most commonly from corn.
Prevents oxidative browning in cut fruits and vegetables, protects fats from rancidity, and is added as a nutritional supplement; also used as a dough improver in bread.
Generally recognized as safe. Note: when ascorbic acid is combined with sodium benzoate or benzoic acid in acidic beverages, benzene can form — a Class 1 carcinogen. This combination should be avoided in formulations. As a standalone additive, ascorbic acid is not only safe but nutritionally beneficial. Very high supplemental doses (>2 g/day) can cause diarrhea and kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Ascorbic Acidwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Rosemary extract and natural vitamin E (tocopherols) provide antioxidant preservation in fats and oils.
Yes — it is vitamin C. It provides nutritional benefit and is one of the safest food additives.
Yes, they are chemically identical. The body cannot distinguish synthetic from food-sourced ascorbic acid.
It is an antioxidant that prevents oxidation reactions that cause browning, rancidity, and flavor degradation.
No. It is universally approved and considered a beneficial nutritional additive.
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