Antioxidant · EU 304
Ascorbyl Palmitate
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Ascorbyl Palmitate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #180 of 417.
- #180 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Ascorbyl Palmitate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #180 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (57th percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- #180 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Ascorbyl Palmitate: 30 tracked U.S. products (moderate band, #180 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 30 · #180 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 304 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Antioxidant | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Ascorbyl Palmitate?
ASCORBYL PALMITATE is an ester formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid creating a fat-soluble form of vitamin C.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate -E 304i- and ascorbyl stearate -E 304-ii-- as food additives
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a moderate OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (30 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascorbyl Palmitate safe to consume?
Ascorbyl Palmitate scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a moderate additive (30 tracked products, #180 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Ascorbyl Palmitate used for in food?
Ascorbyl Palmitate shows up as Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods in the Antioxidant class, and the OFF sample puts it in the moderate footprint band (30 products).
Where does Ascorbyl Palmitate sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #180 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Ascorbyl Palmitate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Ascorbyl Palmitate: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate -E 304i- and ascorbyl stearate -E 304-ii-- as food additives. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.