E304: Ascorbyl Fatty Acid Esters
Main role: fat-phase oxidation control
Also listed as: ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate
What is E304 (Ascorbyl Fatty Acid Esters)?
E304 covers fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid, including ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate. Attaching a fatty-acid component changes how the antioxidant behaves in fat-containing formulations. These are distinct from water-soluble ascorbate salts.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is fat-phase oxidation control. An antioxidant additive helps manage oxidation within the food, such as changes in fat, flavor, or color. That technical role is separate from claims that eating the ingredient will provide a particular health benefit.
Food and formulation examples
- Fat-containing foods
- Oil-based antioxidant systems
- Food ingredient preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E304, E 304, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E304 is a family designation. The full label name can reveal whether the preparation contains ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl stearate, which is useful when comparing specifications.
Is E304 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E304 as Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.