A tricarboxylic acid used as an acidulant, flavour enhancer, and pH-control agent. It is the most widely used food acid globally, produced by fermentation of carbohydrate feedstocks.

Physical state

Powder

Solubility

Freely soluble in water

Odour

Odourless

Typical usage level

0.1-2.0% of finished product weight

Regulatory overview

EU and US regulatory context

EU Context

Regulation: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008; purity criteria under Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
E-number: E330
Status: Authorised food additive
Key standard: Ph. Eur. / FCC monograph compliant

US Context

FDA status: GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
CFR reference: 21 CFR 182.1033 (GRAS, direct food substance)
Common declaration: Citric Acid
Notes: Pending

Functions & applications

Acidulant / pH regulator

Technical function	What it does
pH control	Adjusts and buffers finished-product pH within a target range.
flavour enhancement	Contributes or intensifies a target flavour profile.
chelating agent	Binds trace metal ions that can catalyse off-flavour or discolouration.
preservation adjunct	Supports shelf-life extension alongside a primary preservative system.

Recommended applications

Beverages

Acidulant / pH regulator

Sauces & dressings

Acidulant / pH regulator

Confectionery

Acidulant / pH regulator

Dairy

Acidulant / pH regulator

Specifications

Technical specification

Appearance	White crystalline powder
Colour	White crystalline powder
Odour	Odourless
Solubility	Freely soluble in water
Moisture	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Assay	Min. 99.5% (anhydrous basis)
pH	Pending
Lead (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Arsenic (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Cadmium (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Mercury (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Total plate count	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Salmonella	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
E. coli	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Yeast & mould	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Packaging	25kg multiwall paper bags with PE liner, on ISPM-15 treated pallets
Shelf life	24 months from production date, unopened
Storage	Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Values marked "Pending" require confirmation against the current supplier CoA before being issued to a client.

Compliance

Legal & compliance notes

Allergen status: Does not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens.
GMO status: Produced by fermentation of a carbohydrate feedstock; not itself a GM organism. Confirm feedstock origin with the supplier for a non-GMO claim.
Irradiation: Not irradiated.
Halal / Kosher: Typically available. Confirm certification with the specific supplier.

Anti-dumping exposure on Chinese origin. Verify current EU measure before committing to price.
Critical QC checkpoints: Assay (min. 99.5%), Sulphated ash, Heavy metals, Oxalate.
The EU has maintained anti-dumping duties on citric acid originating in China for an extended period. Confirm the current rate and any exemptions in the TARIC database before quoting. Do not rely on a fixed figure.

CN code (8-digit)	Pending
TARIC (10-digit)	Pending
EU import duty	Pending
Anti-dumping measure	Yes, see compliance notes

Citric Acid

EU and US regulatory context

Acidulant / pH regulator

Recommended applications

Technical specification

Legal & compliance notes

Import classification data

Also in Acidulants

Citric Acid

EU and US regulatory context

Acidulant / pH regulator

Recommended applications

Technical specification

Legal & compliance notes

Import classification data

Also in Acidulants

Malic Acid

Lactic Acid

Tartaric Acid

Fumaric Acid