antioxidant INS 301

Sodium Ascorbate E301

vitamin derivative — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Sodium L-ascorbate

CAS: 134-03-2

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Sodium Ascorbate?

Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as an antioxidant and color stabilizer in cured meats, beverages, and processed foods. It prevents oxidative rancidity and preserves the red color of cured meats by maintaining myoglobin in its reduced form. JECFA considers sodium ascorbate acceptable with no numerical ADI (it converts to vitamin C in the body). EFSA confirmed no safety concerns in 2015. Unlike ascorbic acid (E300), sodium ascorbate is non-acidic, making it suitable for pH-sensitive applications.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Sodium Ascorbate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis (varies by food category) mg/kg

Re-evaluated together with E300 and E302 in 2015 EFSA opinion

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

Approved for use in food as antioxidant and nutrient

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved as existing food additive

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by dissolving ascorbic acid in water with addition of sodium bicarbonate. After the reaction is complete and foaming stops, the compound is precipitated with isopropanol, yielding a white or slightly yellowish powder.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Antioxidant and skin-brightening agent

Medical

Vitamin C supplement (gentler, less acidic form)

Industrial

Oxygen scavenger in packaging

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Ascorbate (E301)?

Sodium Ascorbate (E301) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is vitamin derivative and synthetic. Synthetically produced sodium salt of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). The ascorbic acid portion is identical to naturally occurring vitamin C found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.

What foods contain Sodium Ascorbate?

Sodium Ascorbate is used in various food categories including Meat preparations, Meat products. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Is Sodium Ascorbate the same as Sodium vitamin C?

Yes, Sodium Ascorbate is also known as Sodium vitamin C, Sodium salt of ascorbic acid. These are different names for the same substance.