Safe

E330Citric acid

Acidity regulator

E330 (Citric acid), a acidity regulator, is rated "safe": no significant concern. The most-used food acid in the world. Found naturally in lemons and limes. Used for sour taste, preservation, and as a chelating agent in almost every food category.

Is citric acid bad for you? →

What is Citric acid?

The main acid in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruit. Produced industrially by fermentation. Used in nearly every soft drink, candy, sauce, and canned good.

What does it do to the body?

Part of your body's central energy cycle (the Krebs cycle), so it gets burned as fuel. No realistic safety concern at food levels. Heavy consumers of acidic drinks can experience tooth enamel erosion over time, but that is the acidity, not the additive itself.

What regulators say

EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.

Risk rating: Safe

Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.

E-number: E330Category: Acidity regulatorAlso known as: citric acid

Frequently asked questions

Is E330 (Citric acid) safe?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.
What is E330 (Citric acid)?
The main acid in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruit. Produced industrially by fermentation. Used in nearly every soft drink, candy, sauce, and canned good.
What does Citric acid do to the body?
Part of your body's central energy cycle (the Krebs cycle), so it gets burned as fuel. No realistic safety concern at food levels. Heavy consumers of acidic drinks can experience tooth enamel erosion over time, but that is the acidity, not the additive itself.
What are other names for E330?
E330 is also known as citric acid.

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