antioxidant INS 304

Ascorbyl Palmitate E304

vitamin derivative — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

L-Ascorbyl 6-palmitate

CAS: 137-66-6

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Ascorbyl Palmitate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis (varies by food category) mg/kg

E304i (ascorbyl palmitate) and E304ii (ascorbyl stearate) evaluated together

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

FDA allows up to 0.02% by weight in margarine as optional preservative

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved as designated food additive

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–25 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

1.1 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis (esterification)

Produced by reaction of the primary alcohol group of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with the carboxylic acid group of palmitic acid. Simple monoester with ascorbyl and palmitate moieties in 1:1 mole ratio. Molecular formula: C22H38O7.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Skin-care products (antioxidant, preservative)

Medical

Vitamin supplement, tablet stabilizer

Household

Fat-soluble vitamin C supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ascorbyl Palmitate (E304)?

Ascorbyl Palmitate (E304) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is vitamin derivative and synthetic. Fat-soluble form of vitamin C created by esterifying ascorbic acid with palmitic acid. Ester formed from naturally occurring ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and palmitic acid (found in palm oil, meat, dairy).

What is the ADI for Ascorbyl Palmitate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Ascorbyl Palmitate is 0–25 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Ascorbyl Palmitate?

Ascorbyl Palmitate is used in various food categories including Fat spreads, Foods for infants and young children. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Is Ascorbyl Palmitate the same as 6-Palmitoyl-3-keto-L-gulofuranolactone?

Yes, Ascorbyl Palmitate is also known as 6-Palmitoyl-3-keto-L-gulofuranolactone, Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid. These are different names for the same substance.