E 300 Ascorbic acid

What is E 300?

E 300 is the E number of Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C. As an additive it protects foods against discolouration and oxidation and improves dough. It is usually made from glucose, often from maize starch, through fermentation and chemical steps.

Where is E 300 most commonly used?

Ascorbic acid mainly stops fruit juices, canned fruit and cut fruit from turning brown. In flour it also improves baking properties.

What is E 300 used for?

E 300 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as antioxidant, flour treatment agent.

• Antioxidant: Antioxidants protect against oxidation, which for example turns fats rancid or changes colours.
• Flour treatment agent: Flour treatment agents improve the baking quality of flour or dough.

Which foods may contain E 300?

According to the European Commission's database, E 300 may be used in 88 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 300 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 300 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 300 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Antioxidant: E 300" or "Antioxidant: Ascorbic acid".