Citric Acid(E330)
Level 2 — Generally safeIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources
Citric Acid is a acidulant — Acidulant; widely used in cosmetics, flavorings, juices, wines, jams, candies
What it does
Acidulant; widely used in cosmetics, flavorings, juices, wines, jams, candies
Where you'll see it
Fruit juices, wines, jams, jellies, candies, canned fruit, carbonated beverages, frozen fruit, canned vegetables, frozen dairy products, cheese spreads, sherbet, confections, canned figs, dried egg whites, mayonnaise, salad dressing, fruit butter, preserves, fresh beef blood, cured meats, chewing gum (3,600 ppm)
What the research says
[ultra-processed-people] Industrial acidulant; appears throughout UPF ingredient lists and on Pret's additive cocktail. Van Tulleken does not target citric acid specifically for harm but treats it as a marker — when paired with other modifiers it identifies industrial food.
Benefits
Has been used to dissolve urinary bladder stones; neutralizes lye in peeling vegetables.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: GRAS
- EU: approved
- Notes: Also ASP
Sources
- Ultra-Processed People (van Tulleken) — Chapter 14: Additive anxiety: E472e (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides), E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), E422 (glycerol), E330 (citric acid) and E300 (ascorbic acid)
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): One of the most widely used acids in the cosmetics and flavoring industries