How many milligrams of Vitamin C can I add to my beverage without having to declare “ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)” under the beverages ingredient listing?
(October 2010) If ascorbic acid is added to the beverage, it must be listed in the ingredient statement. Furthermore, if the function of the ascorbic acid is as a preservative, this must also be disclosed in the ingredient statement (i.e. “ascorbic acid to preserve freshness” or something equally descriptive). According to the Code of Federal Regulations at 21 CFR 101.4, all food ingredients (except incidental additives as defined in 21 CFR 101.100) must be listed in descending order of predominance by weight. Rules for declaring spices, flavorings, colors and preservatives can be found in 21 CFR 101.22.
