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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.
| 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 |
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.
Accelerates nitrite curing chemistry in processed meats (bacon, ham, hot dogs), prevents oxidative color loss, and inhibits nitrosamine formation as an antioxidant.
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.
Erythorbic Acid is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
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.
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.
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.
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