White to slightly yellow, odourless crystalline powder; melting point about 190owith decomposition.
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The function(s) performed by the food additive when used in cooking.
Data according to various sources such as fao, fda, codex. Spot a mistake? Tell us!
| Country | Status | Matched Term |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| European Union | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Australia and New Zealand | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Philippines | Approved | Ascorbic Acid |
| Austria | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Belgium | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Bulgaria | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Cyprus | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Czech Republic | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Denmark | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Estonia | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Finland | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| France | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Germany | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Greece | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Hungary | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Ireland | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Italy | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Latvia | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Lithuania | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Luxembourg | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Malta | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Netherlands | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Poland | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Portugal | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Romania | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Slovakia | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Slovenia | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Spain | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Sweden | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| United Kingdom | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| Australia | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
| New Zealand | Approved | Ascorbic acid |
E300 - Ascorbic acid, L-: The synthesis of vitamin C generally is carried out as a complicated, six step procedure (Reichenstein-Process). One of those processing steps is fermentational: the microorganisms (Acetobacter) deployed here are "conventionally" bred, meaning they are not genetically modified. Glucose that is won from maize starch with the aid of enzymes is used as raw material for this process. Glucose or starch can be produced partly from GM maize. Enzymes applied for the production of glucose are made with the aid of GM microorganisms. A company in the USA has developed a new production technique that applies GM microorganisms (Erwinia herbicola, Erwinia citreus). With this, the production process is reduced to two steps. It also is now possible directly to produce vitamin C and ascorbic acid respectively with the aid of GM micro-organisms. This procedure is assumed to be used in a few Asian countries which deliver large quantities of vitamin C to Europe. The production of vitamin C and ascorbic acid respectively with GM microorganisms technically mature/fully developed and is used commercially. Detailed information about the Anwendungsstand is not available.
E300 - Ascorbic acid, L-: Flour treating agent, 'vitamin C'; may be made synthetically from glucose, naturally occurs in fruit and vegetables; added to products as diverse as cured meat, breakfast cereals, frozen fish and wine.
Food Reactions - Food Intolerance, Allergy & Adverse Reactions
E300 - Ascorbic acid, L-: Ascorbic acid is industrially synthesised using a number of different biological techniques. Flour treating agent, 'vitamin C'; may be made synthetically from glucose, naturally occurs in fruit and vegetables; added to products as diverse as cured meat, breakfast cereals, frozen fish and wine. Large doses can cause dental erosion, vomiting, diarrhoea dizziness, and could possibly cause kidney stones if more than 10g is taken. Should be taken under medical advice if suffering from kidney stones, gout or anaemia. Other names: l-ascorbic acid, l,3-ketothreohexuronic acid.
Vitamin C
INS No. 300
L-(+)-ascorbic acid
laevo-(+)-ascorbic acid
(2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-4,5-dihydroxyfuran-3-one
3-keto-L-gulofuranolactone
3-keto-laevo-gulofuranolactone
3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone
3-oxo-laevo-gulofuran
Collection of sources used to create this food additive summary.
Lists the U.S. CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) registry number and EINECS (European INventory of Existing Commercial chemical Substances) numbers when known.
| Supplier | Country | |
|---|---|---|
 | Consolidated Chemical Company | Australia |
 | Bronson and Jacobs PTY. Limited | Australia |
 | Chemiplas Australia Pty Ltd | Australia |
 | Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd | Australia |
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