Potassium ascorbate E303
vitamin C salt — Primarily synthetic.
Potassium L-ascorbate
CAS: 299-27-4
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 Potassium ascorbate?
Potassium ascorbate is the potassium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as an antioxidant in foods and beverages. It functions identically to other ascorbate forms — preventing oxidation of fats, colors, and flavors — while providing potassium instead of sodium, relevant for low-sodium formulations. JECFA considers ascorbate salts acceptable with no numerical ADI. EFSA reviewed the ascorbates group in 2015. Approved in the EU under Regulation EC 1333/2008 and permitted in most other major food regulatory systems.
? Did You Know?
In the EU, Potassium ascorbate has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Permitted in specific categories
United States (FDA)
Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
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
Industrially produced.