# Citric Acid (E330)

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/citric-acid.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E330
**CAS number:** 77-92-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is one of the most widely used food additives in the world, serving as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and pH regulator. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and authorized in the EU (E330).

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the chemical formula C6H8O7. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits, particularly lemons and limes, which can contain up to 8% citric acid by dry weight. Industrially, most citric acid is produced by microbial fermentation using the fungus Aspergillus niger.

## Common Uses

Citric acid is one of the most versatile food additives. It serves multiple functions:
- **Flavor enhancer**: Provides tart, sour taste in beverages, candies, and snacks
- **Preservative**: Lowers pH to inhibit bacterial growth
- **Chelating agent**: Binds metals that could cause discoloration or off-flavors
- **pH regulator**: Controls acidity in canned foods, jams, and dairy products

Found in soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite), candy (Sour Patch Kids), canned tomatoes, ice cream, hummus, salsa, and thousands of other products.

## Safety Assessment

Citric acid has an excellent safety record. The FDA classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). EFSA has evaluated it multiple times and found no safety concerns at current usage levels. The WHO/JECFA has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of "not specified," meaning no limit is necessary because of its low toxicity.

Some individuals may experience tooth enamel erosion from frequent consumption of highly acidic foods and beverages. In rare cases, citric acid manufactured via Aspergillus niger fermentation has been reported to trigger reactions in individuals with mold sensitivities, though peer-reviewed evidence for this is limited.

## Regulatory Status

- **United States**: GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033)
- **European Union**: Authorized as E330, quantum satis (no maximum limit)
- **Worldwide**: Approved in virtually every country with food safety regulations

## Key Studies

- EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2016): Re-evaluation of citric acid (E 330) confirmed safety at current use levels
- FDA GRAS Notice: Citric acid listed since 1977 with continuous GRAS status
- WHO/JECFA: ADI "not specified" — indicating very low toxicity concern

## Brands using Citric Acid

- Cheetos (29 products)
- Red Bull (25 products)
- Doritos (24 products)
- Kool-Aid (24 products)
- Sprite (23 products)
- Nissin (22 products)
- Jimmy Dean (21 products)
- Mountain Dew (20 products)
- Powerade (20 products)
- Gatorade (19 products)
- Starburst (19 products)
- Jumex (18 products)
- Skittles (18 products)
- Snapple (18 products)
- Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. (17 products)
- Crystal Light (16 products)
- Pepsi (16 products)
- Herdez (15 products)
- Hot Pockets (15 products)
- Sara Lee (15 products)
- Utz (15 products)
- Goldfish (14 products)
- Monster Energy (14 products)
- Ocean Spray (14 products)
- Reese's (14 products)
- Airheads (13 products)
- Fanta (13 products)
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (13 products)
- Chef Boyardee (12 products)
- Maruchan (12 products)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Citric Acid (E330) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/citric-acid. Accessed 2026-05-19.