# Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 1332-98-5
**Category:** nutrient
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown is an iron compound used as a nutrient supplement in food products to fortify foods with bioavailable iron. It provides an essential mineral necessary for oxygen transport and metabolic function in the human body.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown?

Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown (CAS Number: 1332-98-5) is an iron-containing compound formed from ferric iron, ammonia, and citric acid. The brown variant refers to its specific color and chemical composition. This additive belongs to the nutrient supplement category and is used primarily to increase the iron content of food products. Iron is an essential micronutrient critical for hemoglobin formation, oxygen transport, and numerous enzymatic processes in human metabolism.

## Common Uses

Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown is utilized in food fortification programs to address iron deficiency, a significant public health concern worldwide. Common applications include:

- Fortified grain products and cereals
- Nutritional beverages and supplements
- Infant and pediatric nutrition products
- Enriched flour and baked goods
- Dietary supplement formulations

The citrate form enhances bioavailability, meaning the iron is more readily absorbed by the human body compared to some alternative iron sources. This makes it particularly valuable in populations at risk for iron deficiency anemia, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with increased iron requirements.

## Safety Assessment

Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA, though this designation does not indicate a safety concern. Rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway and approval status of this specific compound. According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero recalls linked to its use, indicating a strong safety record in commercial applications.

Iron supplementation through food fortification has been extensively studied and is recognized internationally as a safe and effective public health intervention. The safety of iron compounds in food depends on appropriate dosing levels, which are carefully controlled in fortified products to prevent excessive intake while ensuring nutritional benefit.

General iron supplementation safety considerations include the risk of iron overload in individuals with hemochromatosis or other iron metabolism disorders. However, fortified foods contain regulated iron levels designed for the general population and are not typically harmful to individuals with normal iron metabolism. As with all nutrients, excessive supplementation beyond recommended dietary allowances can pose risks, but this is a concern for supplement overuse rather than properly fortified foods.

## Regulatory Status

While Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown lacks FDA GRAS status, it operates within the regulatory framework for food additives and nutrient supplements. Various iron compounds are approved for food fortification purposes under different regulatory jurisdictions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international regulatory bodies have established safety assessments for iron compounds used in food fortification.

The specific regulatory status may vary by country and region. Some jurisdictions permit its use in specific food categories at defined levels, while approval requirements and maximum use levels are established based on nutritional needs and safety data.

## Key Studies

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of iron fortification programs in reducing anemia prevalence. Research supports the bioavailability of citrate-based iron compounds and their efficacy in improving iron status when incorporated into staple foods. International organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have promoted iron fortification as a cost-effective strategy for addressing iron deficiency at the population level.

Long-term safety monitoring of fortified foods has not identified significant adverse health effects in populations consuming fortified products as intended. Studies on iron bioavailability show that citrate complexes enhance absorption compared to some other iron sources, improving nutritional effectiveness while maintaining safety margins.

## 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. "Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Brown — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ferric-ammonium-citrate-brown. Accessed 2026-05-16.