FDA Status
Approved
Ascorbyl Stearate (304) is a antioxidant additive holding a composite safety score of 4 out of 5 (Low Risk). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as Approved. It is most commonly used as Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Ascorbyl Stearate to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Ascorbyl Stearate, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2015-11-18. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
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.
4.0 / 5
Composite Safety Low Risk
Safety Score: 4 out of 5
Safety Rating 80.0%
EU Status
Approved
304
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Ascorbyl Stearate receives a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Ascorbyl Stearate for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Ascorbyl Stearate. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Ascorbyl Stearate?
Ascorbyl Stearate is a food additive (304) classified as antioxidant.
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
Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascorbyl Stearate safe to consume?
Ascorbyl Stearate has a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Ascorbyl Stearate used for in food?
Ascorbyl Stearate is commonly used as: Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods. It belongs to the Antioxidant category of food additives.
Is Ascorbyl Stearate banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Ascorbyl Stearate. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Ascorbyl Stearate?
The FDA classifies Ascorbyl Stearate as "Approved", while the EU status is "Approved" (304). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Ascorbyl Stearate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Ascorbyl Stearate: 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.
How is the safety score for Ascorbyl Stearate calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Ascorbyl Stearate is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial