antioxidant INS 309

Delta-Tocopherol E309

vitamin — Primarily natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

8-Methyltocol

CAS: 119-13-1

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?

Delta-Tocopherol occurs naturally in Soybean oil and Cottonseed oil. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Delta-Tocopherol 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 (most categories) mg/kg

Evaluated together with E306, E307, E308

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

Approved as antioxidant and nutrient supplement

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved as existing food additive

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0.15–2 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Everyday Perspective

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

Natural Occurrence

A naturally occurring variant of vitamin E derived primarily from soybean oil. Acts as a natural antioxidant with unique protective properties.

Soybean oilCottonseed oilCorn oilSunflower seeds

Manufacturing

Method: extraction from vegetable oils

Extracted from soybean oil deodorizer distillate and other vegetable oil processing by-products. Often co-extracted with gamma-tocopherol from the same sources. Molecular formula: C27H46O2, Molecular weight: 402.65.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Antioxidant in skincare formulations

Medical

Component of mixed tocopherol vitamin E supplements

Household

Vitamin supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delta-Tocopherol (E309)?

Delta-Tocopherol (E309) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is vitamin and natural. A naturally occurring variant of vitamin E derived primarily from soybean oil. Acts as a natural antioxidant with unique protective properties.

Where is Delta-Tocopherol found naturally?

Delta-Tocopherol is naturally found in Soybean oil, Cottonseed oil, Corn oil, Sunflower seeds. A naturally occurring variant of vitamin E derived primarily from soybean oil. Acts as a natural antioxidant with unique protective properties.

What is the ADI for Delta-Tocopherol?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Delta-Tocopherol is 0.15–2 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 Delta-Tocopherol?

Delta-Tocopherol is used in various food categories including Dairy-based desserts, Fat spreads. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Is Delta-Tocopherol the same as δ-Tocopherol?

Yes, Delta-Tocopherol is also known as δ-Tocopherol, 8-Methyltocol. These are different names for the same substance.