Is Erythorbic Acid Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Erythorbic Acid is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (preservative).
Also called isoascorbic acid. (E315) CAS 89-65-6.
Other names: E315, D-isoascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, INS 315
Is Erythorbic Acid banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Hillshire Farm Sausage, Boar's Head Ham, Ball Park Franks, Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage |
| CAS number | 89-65-6 |
What is Erythorbic Acid?
Erythorbic acid is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) produced by fermentation of sucrose. While it has similar antioxidant properties to vitamin C, it has very little vitamin C activity (approximately 5%). It is primarily used in meat curing to accelerate the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide, thereby speeding up the development of the characteristic pink color in cured meats.
Why is Erythorbic Acid used in food?
Accelerates nitrite curing chemistry in processed meats (bacon, ham, hot dogs), prevents oxidative color loss, and inhibits nitrosamine formation as an antioxidant.
Is Erythorbic Acid dangerous? Documented risks
Erythorbic acid is generally recognized as safe. It is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic. At very high doses in animal studies, no toxicity was observed. It is metabolized similarly to ascorbic acid. When used alongside nitrites in cured meats, it serves the beneficial function of reducing nitrosamine formation, potentially making cured meats somewhat safer. No significant adverse effects have been documented at food use levels.
Common US products containing Erythorbic Acid
- Mountain DewMountain Dew
- Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair ColorClairol
- L'Oréal Paris Feria Permanent Hair ColorL'Oréal
- L'Oréal Excellence Crème Permanent Hair ColorL'Oréal
- Garnier Nutrisse Permanent Hair Color CrèmeGarnier
- Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair ColorClairol
- Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair ColorClairol
How to avoid Erythorbic Acid: safer alternatives
Ascorbic acid (E300) can perform similar antioxidant functions in many applications. Vitamin E (tocopherols) is used for fat protection.
Frequently asked questions about Erythorbic Acid
Is erythorbic acid the same as vitamin C?
It is a structural isomer (stereoisomer) with similar antioxidant properties but only ~5% of vitamin C's nutritional activity.
Why is erythorbic acid in hot dogs?
It accelerates the curing reaction of nitrites and helps inhibit nitrosamine formation, improving both appearance and safety of cured meats.
Is erythorbic acid safe?
Yes. It has an excellent safety profile and is approved globally.
Is erythorbic acid banned in the EU?
No. It is authorized as E315 in the EU for meat products.
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Sources
- Re-evaluation of erythorbic acid (E 315) as a food additive — EFSA
- FDA 21 CFR 166.110 — Erythorbic acid — FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.