As an antioxidant, it is sometimes added to foods - especially snack foods containing fats, e.g. crisps, to prevent them from becoming rancid.
Current chemical names:
2-Oxo-L-threo-hexono-1,4-lactone-2,3-enediol
or
(R)- 3,4-dihydroxy -5-((S)- 1,2-dihydroxy ethyl) furan-2 (5H)- one
2-Oxo-L-threo-hexono-1,4-lactone-2,3-enediol
or
(R)- 3,4-dihydroxy -5-((S)- 1,2-dihydroxy ethyl) furan-2 (5H)- one