E315: Erythorbic Acid
Main role: oxidation and color control
Also listed as: isoascorbic acid, D-isoascorbic acid
What is E315 (Erythorbic Acid)?
Erythorbic acid E315 is structurally related to ascorbic acid and is used as a technological antioxidant. It helps limit oxidation and maintain color in suitable products. Despite the similar names and structures, it should not be treated as a substitute for vitamin C nutrition.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is oxidation and color 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
- Specified processed meats
- Selected fish preparations
- Antioxidant formulations
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 E315, E 315, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include isoascorbic acid, D-isoascorbic acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E315 is not ascorbic acid E300. A technological antioxidant role and a nutritional vitamin role are separate, even when the ingredients have related chemistry.
Is E315 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 E315 as Erythorbic 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.