E330 · Citric acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E330?
Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, though the food-grade version is usually produced industrially by fermenting sugars with mold (typically Aspergillus niger). It is widely used in food and beverages as a flavoring agent, acidulant, and preservative, and as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and cleaning products. It is generally recognized as safe and is one of the most common food additives worldwide.
Also appears on labels as: Citric Acid, E330, E 330, E-330, Food Acid 330, Acidulant E330, 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic Acid, Tricarboxylic Acid, Sour Salt, Citrate, Anhydrous Citric Acid, Monohydrate Citric Acid.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-additive levels.
- Frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks containing citric acid can contribute to dental enamel erosion.
- May cause mouth or throat irritation in a small number of sensitive individuals at high concentrations.
Research behind the verdict
- Citric Acid: A Nexus Between Cellular Mechanisms and Biomaterial Innovations — Multiple authors, PubMed (2024). This comprehensive review examines citric acid's role in cellular metabolism and its applications in biomaterials. The study found that citric acid, widely used as food additive E330, is generally recognized as safe with minimal adverse effects when consumed in normal dietary amounts. The research highlights that citric acid is naturally occurring in many fruits and plays an essential role in cellular energy production through the Krebs cycle. No significant health concerns were identified for typical food consumption levels, though excessive intake may cause minor gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E330 safe?
Our overall verdict for E330 (Citric acid) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E330 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Citric acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E330 and why is it used?
Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, though the food-grade version is usually produced industrially by fermenting sugars with mold (typically Aspergillus niger). It is widely used in food and beverages as a flavoring agent, acidulant, and preservative, and as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and cleaning products. It is generally recognized as safe and is one of the most common food additives worldwide.
Does E330 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Citric acid, though some people report sensitivity (Rare reports of sensitivity, sometimes linked to mold-derived production, though the purified acid itself is not an allergen.).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.