E301 Sodium Ascorbate – Food Additive
E301 is the food additive sodium ascorbate, a salt of vitamin C. It functions as an antioxidant and preservative in a wide range of food products.
Things worth knowing about "E301"
E301 is the food additive sodium ascorbate, a salt of vitamin C. It functions as an antioxidant and preservative in a wide range of food products.
What is E301 (Sodium Ascorbate)?
E301 is the European approval number for sodium ascorbate, the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is a water-soluble, white to slightly yellowish powder widely used in the food industry as an antioxidant and preservative. Compared to pure ascorbic acid (E300), sodium ascorbate is less acidic and therefore considered gentler on the stomach.
Production and Chemical Properties
Sodium ascorbate is produced by neutralizing ascorbic acid with sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate. Its chemical formula is C₆H₇NaO₆. The compound is highly water-soluble and stable in dry form, but may degrade through oxidation when dissolved in water.
Uses in Food
E301 is used in a wide variety of food products, including:
- Meat and processed meat products (e.g., for color stabilization in combination with nitrites)
- Fruit juices and soft drinks
- Canned and pickled foods
- Baked goods and cereals
- Dairy products and desserts
In meat products, sodium ascorbate accelerates the curing process and stabilizes the characteristic red color by reducing nitrite to nitric oxide. It also helps inhibit the formation of nitrosamines, potentially carcinogenic compounds that can form during meat processing.
Mechanism of Action
As an antioxidant, E301 works by scavenging free radicals and neutralizing reactive oxygen species. This slows the oxidative breakdown of fats, colors, and flavor compounds in food, thereby extending shelf life and preserving the sensory qualities of products.
Health and Safety Assessment
Sodium ascorbate is considered safe and has been evaluated as non-hazardous by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been established, as ascorbic acid and its salts are regarded as physiologically harmless at typical dietary intake levels. Sodium ascorbate provides bioavailable vitamin C and can contribute to meeting daily vitamin C requirements.
At very high doses (several grams per day), gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea may occur. Individuals with kidney disease or those following a low-sodium diet should take the sodium content into account.
Labeling and Regulation
In the European Union, E301 is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. It must be declared on ingredient lists either as sodium ascorbate or as E301. Maximum permitted levels vary depending on the food category.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of ascorbic acid (E 300), sodium ascorbate (E 301), calcium ascorbate (E 302), ascorbyl palmitate (E 304i) and ascorbyl stearate (E 304ii) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2016.
- World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) - Sodium Ascorbate. WHO Food Additives Series.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
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Related search terms: E301-en