E309: Delta-Tocopherol
Main role: fat oxidation control
Also listed as: δ-tocopherol, delta tocopherol
What is E309 (Delta-Tocopherol)?
Delta-tocopherol E309 belongs to the tocopherol antioxidant family and can slow oxidative changes in fats. The chemical form differs from alpha- and gamma-tocopherol. Its use in a recipe concerns the stability of that food rather than automatically establishing a vitamin E health claim.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is fat 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 food preparations
- Edible oils
- Antioxidant blends
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 E309, E 309, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include δ-tocopherol, delta tocopherol. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E309, E308, and E307 should not be treated as interchangeable nutrition-label quantities. Check declared nutrients if vitamin E intake is the reason for choosing a product.
Is E309 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 E309 as Delta-tocopherol. 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.