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E315 · Antioxidants

Erythorbic acid

No known risk

Vitamin C mirror-molecule, antioxidant only.

Category
Antioxidants
Acceptable daily intake
6 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

Erythorbic acid is a mirror-image form of vitamin C, used purely as an antioxidant — it has the chemistry but almost none of the vitamin activity.

How it is used in food

Prevents cured meats like hot dogs from turning brown and helps fix their pink color.

Commonly found in
  • Cured meats
  • Canned fruits
  • Beverages

Health and safety

None known. It is the same atoms as ascorbic acid in a different arrangement, and the body handles it the same way; it simply does not fit the enzymes that need real vitamin C.

Authorised in the EU with no safety concern identified. Its potassium and calcium salts, E317 and E318, are not on the list.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ		 Permitted Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission		 Permitted Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)		 Permitted Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number
E315

Worth knowing

It is a stereoisomer of Vitamin C, meaning it has the exact same atoms arranged slightly differently, but it has almost zero vitamin activity.

Conclusion

There is no reason to mind erythorbic acid on this label. Although it lacks vitamin activity, your body handles this mirror-image molecule just like ascorbic acid, and EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake of 6 mg per kg of body weight. It poses no known safety concern in cured meats or beverages, so you can feel comfortable with erythorbic acid.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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