Is Erythorbic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Erythorbic Acid is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Erythorbic Acid on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Hillshire Farm Sausage, Boar's Head Ham.
TL;DR: Erythorbic Acid is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Erythorbic Acid: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Hillshire Farm Sausage, Boar's Head Ham, Ball Park Franks, Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage |
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.
What regulators have flagged about Erythorbic Acid
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Erythorbic Acid with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Erythorbic Acid →
Audited products that don't contain Erythorbic Acid.
As an Amazon Associate, BannedPantry earns from qualifying purchases. This never influences our ratings — see Affiliate Disclosure.
Erythorbic Acid and pregnancy: common questions
Is Erythorbic Acid banned anywhere?
Erythorbic Acid is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
Should I avoid Erythorbic Acid during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Erythorbic Acid?
Commonly found in Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Hillshire Farm Sausage, Boar's Head Ham, Ball Park Franks, Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Erythorbic Acid.
What can I use instead of Erythorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid (E300) can perform similar antioxidant functions in many applications. Vitamin E (tocopherols) is used for fat protection. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Erythorbic Acid or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
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.