E 304 Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid

What is E 304?

E 304 is the E number of Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid. Fat-soluble form of vitamin C (for example ascorbyl palmitate). It protects fats and oils from going rancid.

What is E 304 used for?

E 304 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as antioxidant.

• Antioxidant: Antioxidants protect against oxidation, which for example turns fats rancid or changes colours.

Which foods may contain E 304?

According to the European Commission's database, E 304 may be used in 72 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 304 vegan?

Vegan depending on origin: may come from plant or animal raw materials. The label usually does not say which.

Is E 304 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).

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

How does E 304 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 304" or "Antioxidant: Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid".