castoreum
castoreum

Citric Acid

Common names: Lemon salt, Sour salt, Citrosan (brand name), Citroptic (brand name), E330 (European food additive code).
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KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
See methodology
Safe
Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD
Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid widely used in the food and beverage industry as a flavor enhancer, preservative, and acidity regulator. Its ability to stabilize pH and prevent microbial growth makes it indispensable in products like sodas, candies, and baked goods. Derived either from citrus fruits or through microbial fermentation, citric acid is highly valued for its versatility and effectiveness.[1]
Despite its general safety, citric acid has raised some concerns, particularly when synthetically produced or used in high concentrations. Sensitive individuals may experience minor skin irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort from processed forms of citric acid. Nevertheless, its long-standing use and regulatory approvals reinforce its status as a safe and valuable ingredient in food production.[2]

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)
Citric acid is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.[1]
Health Canada
Citric acid is listed in Health Canada’s “List of Permitted Preservatives” and “List of Permitted Sequestering Agents,” allowing its use in various foods at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices, reflecting its accepted safety.[3]
EFSA (Europe)
The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings has re-evaluated citric acid (E330) and concluded that there is no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels.[4]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established a group Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of “not limited” for citric acid and its calcium, potassium, sodium, and ammonium salts, indicating its safety at typical dietary exposure levels.[5]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Classified

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group
  • EWG Rating: Citric acid is rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)
  • with a low hazard score, indicating minimal health concerns.[2]
  • Level of Caution: The EWG notes that citric acid has use restrictions, particularly in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements.[2]
  • Possible Health Risks: While generally considered safe, citric acid may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when used in high concentrations or in certain product formulations.[2]
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More about Citric Acid

  • Carbonated Beverages: Coca-Cola, Sprite, LaCroix Sparkling Water
  • Candies and Gummies: Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, Haribo Goldbears
  • Packaged or Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Del Monte Canned Pineapple, Dole Fruit Cups, Libby's Canned Tomatoes

Historical Use
Citric acid was first isolated from lemon juice in 1784 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele.[6] In the late 19th century, industrial production began by extracting citric acid from citrus fruits.[7] By 1917, the fermentation process using Aspergillus niger was developed, allowing for large-scale production.[8]
Current Exposure
Today, consumers are frequently exposed to citric acid, as it is commonly added to processed foods and beverages as a preservative and flavor enhancer.[9] Additionally, citric acid is present in many household cleaning products due to its effectiveness and environmental safety.[10]

Antioxidant Properties
Citric acid functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin against photoaging and environmental damage.[11]
Antihypertensive Effects
Studies have demonstrated that citric acid can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures, indicating potential benefits for managing hypertension.[12]
Immune Function Enhancement
Research indicates that citric acid may enhance immune function by modulating intestinal barriers and promoting beneficial gut microorganisms.[13]
Physical Fatigue Reduction
Citric acid has been found to reduce physiological stress and attenuate physical fatigue, suggesting its role in improving exercise performance.[14]

Toxicological Studies
Acute oral toxicity studies in rodents have demonstrated that citric acid has a low toxicity profile, with reported LD₅₀ values of 5,400 mg/kg body weight in mice.[15]
Long-Term Safety
Long-term dietary studies in rats, involving citric acid concentrations up to 5% of their diet, indicated slightly reduced growth but no significant tissue abnormalities or evidence of carcinogenicity.[16]

High-Risk Groups
Individuals with a genetic predisposition affecting the citric acid cycle may have an altered risk of colorectal cancer, as certain polymorphisms in citric acid cycle genes have been associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility.[17]
Health Impacts
For individuals with specific genetic variants, interactions between these polymorphisms and factors such as obesity, physical activity, and energy intake can influence colorectal cancer risk, suggesting that citric acid metabolism may play a role in cancer development.[17]

Recommended Intake
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for citric acid and its calcium, potassium, sodium, and ammonium salts as "not limited," indicating that typical dietary exposures are considered safe.[5]

General Safety Level
Citric acid is generally regarded as safe for most people and is widely used in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Research supports its low allergenic potential in most individuals.[4]
Sensitive Individuals
Some sensitive individuals may experience adverse reactions such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, or exacerbation of existing conditions. These reactions are typically associated with processed citric acid rather than naturally occurring sources.[18]

FAQ

What is the citric acid cycle?

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a key metabolic process in cells that generates energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Is citric acid bad for you?

Citric acid is generally safe for consumption, but excessive amounts may cause tooth enamel erosion or stomach irritation.

What is citric acid?

Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits and used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food.

What is citric acid powder?

Citric acid powder is a dry, crystalline form of citric acid used in cooking, food preservation, and cleaning products.

Where does the citric acid cycle occur?

The citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

What does citric acid do to your body?

Citric acid helps with energy production, enhances mineral absorption, and acts as an antioxidant in the body.

References

  1. eCFR :: 21 CFR 184.1033 - Citric acid.  Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-184/subpart-B/section-184.1033 ↩︎
  2. EWG's Skin Deepu00ae | What is CITRIC ACID.  Available at: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701385-CITRIC_ACID/ ↩︎
  3. Health Canada. 'List of Permitted Preservatives' and 'List of Permitted Sequestering Agents.'  Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/11-preservatives.html ↩︎
  4. History & Discovery -Citric Acid.  Available at: https://citrica.weebly.com/history-discovery.html ↩︎
  5. Citric Acid: An Ancient Souring Agent And Preservative.  Available at: https://www.spiceography.com/citric-acid/ ↩︎
  6. Citric Acid: Uses, Benefits, and Risks.  Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-citric-acid-7111742 ↩︎
  7. Human and Environmental Risk Assessment on Ingredients of Household Cleaning Products.  Available at: https://www.heraproject.com/files/37-F-05-HERA_citricacid_version1_April05.pdf ↩︎
  8. The History and Use of Citric Acid.  Available at: https://citrusdepot.net/2022/05/the-history-and-use-of-citric-acid/ ↩︎
  9. Juhlin, L. (1956). 'Canker sores from allergy to weak organic acids (citric and acetic).' Journal of Allergy, 27(6):507-509.  Available at: https://www.jacionline.org/article/0021-8707%2856%2990154-X/fulltext ↩︎

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