Safety grading GREEN – SAFE
E306 refers to tocopherol-rich extract, a natural mixture of vitamin E compounds obtained primarily from vegetable oils such as soy, sunflower or rapeseed. Tocopherols are fat-soluble antioxidants that protect food lipids from oxidation, preventing rancidity and improving shelf life. They also occur naturally in nuts, seeds and many plant oils. Regulatory agencies including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) recognise tocopherols as safe when used within permitted levels. EFSA’s re-evaluation of the tocopherols group (E306–E309) concluded that tocopherol-rich extracts do not pose a safety concern at reported dietary exposures in adults and children.
Tocopherols play a well-established physiological role in humans as antioxidants that help protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. They are absorbed through the intestine, transported via lipoproteins and stored primarily in fatty tissue. Human studies demonstrate excellent tolerance even at high supplemental intakes, with adverse effects occurring only at extremely large doses significantly exceeding what is used in foods. Toxicological studies in animals also show low acute toxicity and no evidence of carcinogenicity or genotoxicity. The metabolic familiarity of vitamin E, combined with strong safety margins, supports its favourable safety profile.
Independent scientific studies reinforce these conclusions. Review of vitamin E safety in humans found no significant adverse effects at typical dietary levels and highlighted its essential antioxidant function. At very high supplemental doses far above food-additive exposure levels, vitamin E may influence blood clotting or interact with anticoagulant medications, but these effects do not apply to normal food use. For the general population, tocopherol-rich extract is considered one of the safest antioxidants available. Based on the regulatory consensus, biochemical relevance and supporting independent research, E306 receives a GREEN – SAFE rating, with minimal concerns for healthy individuals at standard intake levels.
Should you avoid E306?
Most consumers do not need to avoid foods containing E306. Tocopherol-rich extract is not only safe but also contributes vitamin E to the diet. Since tocopherols are naturally present in many plant-based foods, consuming them as antioxidants in processed foods does not introduce foreign or synthetic substances. Individuals taking high-dose vitamin E supplements or anticoagulant medication should consider overall vitamin E intake, but the quantity derived from food additives is very small compared with supplements. Those with allergies to specific vegetable oils, such as soy, can occasionally react to residual compounds, but purified tocopherol extracts contain exceedingly low protein levels, making allergic reactions rare.
For people seeking to minimise additives in general, E306 is one of the least concerning. It is naturally derived, widely studied and essential for human health. The antioxidant function benefits both food quality and nutrient preservation. Avoidance is unnecessary unless recommended for a specific medical reason, and even then the additive is unlikely to be a significant contributor to total vitamin E intake.
Common uses of E306
- Vegetable oils and fats to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.
- Margarine, spreads and dressings for stability.
- Snacks, cereals and baked goods to protect fats from rancidity.
- Meat products and processed foods containing unsaturated fats.
- Infant formulas and nutritional supplements as vitamin E sources.
- Beverage powders and fortified foods.
Common names / Synonyms
- Tocopherol-rich extract
- Mixed tocopherols
- Vitamin E
- Natural tocopherols
- Vegetable oil tocopherols
What is it?
Tocopherol-rich extract is obtained by distilling or extracting antioxidant-rich fractions from vegetable oils during refining. These fractions contain alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols, with gamma- and delta-forms typically being more abundant in natural sources. The extract is concentrated and purified to meet food-grade specifications and is added to foods in small quantities to stabilise fats and improve oxidative resistance.
Once consumed, tocopherols are incorporated into micelles in the intestine, absorbed into the lymphatic system and distributed throughout the body via lipoproteins. The human body preferentially retains alpha-tocopherol, while other forms are metabolised and excreted. The antioxidant activity of tocopherols contributes to cellular protection, immune function and overall health. Their natural occurrence, essential metabolic role and extensive toxicological research provide a strong basis for their safety as food additives.
Where it’s allowed (EU vs US)
In the European Union, E306 is authorised as an antioxidant in a broad range of foods under good manufacturing practice, with specific maximum levels for infant formula and specialised nutrition products. In the United States, tocopherols are classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and are used widely in foods, supplements and cosmetics. Many other regions, including Australia, New Zealand and Asia, also permit tocopherol-rich extracts for food use.