Is Vitamin C Safe?
Vitamin C is the additive E300 — simply vitamin C, used to stop food browning and protect flavour — completely safe, vegan and halal.
Is Vitamin C safe to eat?
E300 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E300.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Vitamin C?
E300 is the E-number for ascorbic acid, one of the antioxidants group of food additives (E300–E399). Additives in this group stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Produced by fermenting glucose. E300 is exactly the same molecule as the vitamin C in oranges. In food it works as an antioxidant, stopping cut fruit browning and protecting flavours. Like every E-number, E300 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E300 in detail below.
What foods contain Vitamin C?
E300 (Vitamin C) is typically found in:
- Fruit juices
- Cured meats
- Bread and flour
- Frozen fruit
- Cereals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vitamin C bad for you?
Yes. E300 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Vitamin C vegan?
E300 is vegan. Produced by fermenting glucose, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Vitamin C halal?
E300 is halal. Produced by fermenting glucose, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E300 (Ascorbic Acid) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).