# Isopropyl Citrate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 39413-05-3
**Category:** sequestrant
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Isopropyl citrate is a sequestrant food additive derived from citric acid that binds metal ions in food products. It prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation and discoloration, extending shelf life in oils, fats, and processed foods.

## 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 Isopropyl Citrate?

Isopropyl citrate (CAS Number 39413-05-3) is a sequestrant food additive belonging to the citrate family of compounds. It is the isopropyl ester of citric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits. As a sequestrant, isopropyl citrate functions by chelating (binding) trace metal ions such as iron, copper, and other transition metals that may be present in food products.

## Common Uses

Isopropyl citrate is primarily used in food products where metal ion contamination could cause deterioration. Its main applications include:

- Vegetable oils and edible oils, where it prevents copper and iron from catalyzing oxidation and rancidity
- Margarine and butter products to maintain stability and prevent discoloration
- Processed meat products and canned goods where metal contamination from processing equipment or water may occur
- Beverages and other processed foods prone to oxidative degradation

By sequestering metal ions, isopropyl citrate extends product shelf life and maintains sensory quality without requiring higher levels of other preservatives. The typical usage levels are very small, generally ranging from 50 to 500 ppm (parts per million) depending on the food application.

## Safety Assessment

Isopropyl citrate has been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This designation indicates that the additive is recognized by qualified experts as safe for use in food based on scientific procedures or, in some cases, common use in food prior to 1958.

The FDA's adverse event database contains zero reported adverse events associated with isopropyl citrate consumption. Additionally, there have been zero FDA recalls specifically linked to this additive. This safety record reflects both the extensive use history and the low toxicological concern associated with the compound.

As a citrate ester, isopropyl citrate shares the metabolic profile of other citrate compounds. Upon ingestion, it would be expected to hydrolyze to citric acid and isopropanol, both of which are either naturally present in foods or metabolized readily by the body. Citric acid is produced endogenously in human metabolism, and isopropanol is rapidly metabolized and eliminated.

Toxicological studies on citrate sequestrants have not identified significant safety concerns at food-use levels. The compound's mechanism of action—metal chelation—occurs in the food matrix itself and does not involve systemic bioaccumulation or persistent metabolic effects.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, isopropyl citrate is approved as a GRAS food additive and is listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as a permitted sequestrant. It may be used in foods at levels that achieve the desired technical effect without exceeding typical usage recommendations.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated citrate compounds as food additives. While specific detailed assessment data for isopropyl citrate may vary by region, citrates and their esters are widely accepted in food regulations across developed markets.

The compound is also approved in food applications in Canada, Australia, and other countries with stringent food safety regulations, indicating broad international acceptance based on safety evaluations.

## Key Studies

While specific published studies exclusively on isopropyl citrate are limited, the safety profile is supported by:

- The extensive history of citric acid and citrate use as food additives and natural food components
- General toxicological data on ester hydrolysis products (citric acid and isopropanol)
- The low systemic exposure expected from food-level usage as a sequestrant
- Absence of adverse event reports in FDA databases and scientific literature

The GRAS determination for isopropyl citrate reflects expert consensus on its safety margin and appropriate use levels in food applications. Regulatory agencies continue to monitor food additive safety through post-market surveillance systems.

## 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. "Isopropyl Citrate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/isopropyl-citrate. Accessed 2026-05-14.