Safe
E304 — Ascorbyl palmitate
Antioxidant
E304 (Ascorbyl palmitate), a antioxidant, is rated "safe": no significant concern. A fat-soluble form of vitamin C. Used to stabilise oils and fatty foods. Same vitamin C activity, but works in oil instead of water.
What is Ascorbyl palmitate?
Vitamin C combined with palmitic acid so it can dissolve in oils. Used to keep frying oils, infant formula, sausages, and supplement capsules from going rancid.
What does it do to the body?
Your body breaks it back down into vitamin C and a fatty acid, both of which it uses normally.
What regulators say
EFSA confirmed safety in 2015 with no specific acceptable daily intake. The FDA approves it as GRAS.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.
Frequently asked questions
Is E304 (Ascorbyl palmitate) safe?
EFSA confirmed safety in 2015 with no specific acceptable daily intake. The FDA approves it as GRAS.
What is E304 (Ascorbyl palmitate)?
Vitamin C combined with palmitic acid so it can dissolve in oils. Used to keep frying oils, infant formula, sausages, and supplement capsules from going rancid.
What does Ascorbyl palmitate do to the body?
Your body breaks it back down into vitamin C and a fatty acid, both of which it uses normally.
What are other names for E304?
E304 is also known as ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate.
