Generally, it is widely used to stabilize color, reduce nitrate uses, and prevent oxidation in meat products, fruits and vegetables. And therefore maintain the color & flavor and extend their shelf life. Meanwhile, it benefits our body through reducing nitrosamine formation which is generated by the intake of nitrate.
Food
Its main uses are in meat products, fruits & vegetables and also in soft drinks & beer.
Meat products
Cured and preserved meat products takes an important part in the meat industry.
Provide a bright red color
In order to achieve the purpose of preserving meat products and produce a bright red color, the traditional method is to add nitrate which can interact with amines in the human body to form a carcinogen nitrosamine, which is harmful to our health.
Reduce nitrosamines
It can significantly reduce the production of nitrosamines if the combination uses of erythorbic acid with nitrite.
At the same time, it can stabilize the color of meat.
It was reported by Mintel GNDP that nearly 5,000 products out of nearly 1 million products sold in Europe contain erythorbic acid or sodium erythorbate in meat products or products contained meat as an ingredient (e.g. pizza, ready-to-eat meat meals, meat-based spread and filled pasta).
Fruits and Vegetable Processing
Fresh fruit and vegetable products can easily cause quality problems during the preservation, such as microbial growth, softening, weightlessness and browning due to cracks.
The traditional browning inhibitor is sulfur, but it can cause several health problems such as high blood pressure.
Erythorbic acid or sodium erythorbate can be used to keep the freshness and stabilize the color of fruit and vegetables by soaking or spraying its solution on the surface.
Drink and Beer
Erythorbic acid and its sodium salt can be used as an antioxidant in beverages, beer and etc.
It can eliminate the discoloration, odor and turbidity, and improve the poor taste of beverages. In beer, it can remove the stale odor, enhance flavor stability, and prolong its shelf life.
Cosmetics
Per the “European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients”, it functions as an antioxidant in cosmetic and personal care products. (2)
It can be found in hair and nail products.