Scientific Opinion on the use of sodium ascorbate as a food additive in vitamin D preparations intended to be used in formulae and weaning food for infants and young children

The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food provides a scientific opinion on the use of sodium ascorbate as a food additive in vitamin D preparations intended to be used in formulae and weaning foods for infants and young children. Sodium ascorbate is already authorised as a vitamin C source for infant formulae/follow-on formulae (Annex III of Directive 2006/141/EC). According to Annexes I and II of this Directive, infant formulae/follow-on formulae are required to contain 2.5-7.5 mg/100 kJ vitamin C, which equals 62-221 mg/l vitamin C, and 5-14 mg sodium per 100 kJ, which equals 125-413 mg/l sodium. Given that sodium ascorbate contains 11.6% sodium, a maximum carry over of 1 mg/l sodium ascorbate, amounts to 0.12 mg/l sodium and 0.88 mg/l ascorbate. Based on this observation and the fact that infant formulae are required to contain 62-221 mg/l ascorbate and 125-413 mg/l sodium, the Panel concluded that the maximum carry over of 1 mg/l sodium ascorbate (0.12 mg/l sodium and 0.88 mg/l ascorbate) from use of sodium ascorbate (E 301) in vitamin D preparations would only marginally contribute to the vitamin C and sodium content of the finished products. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the proposed extension of use of the food additive sodium ascorbate (E 301), intended to be used as an antioxidant for the vitamin D preparations for use in infant formulae and follow-on formulae, is not of safety concern