Is Citric Acid Safe?
Citric Acid is the additive E330 — the most widely used food additive in the world — the same acid found naturally in lemons, and completely safe.
Is Citric Acid safe to eat?
E330 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E330.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Citric Acid?
E330 is the E-number for citric acid, one of the antioxidants group of food additives (E300–E399). Additives in this group stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Produced by fermenting sugars with a mould, and found naturally in citrus fruit. A persistent internet myth claims E330 causes cancer (the 'Villejuif leaflet' hoax from the 1970s). In reality citric acid is one of the safest additives in existence, produced by fermentation and central to human metabolism itself. Like every E-number, E330 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E330 in detail below.
What foods contain Citric Acid?
E330 (Citric Acid) is typically found in:
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Jams
- Tinned fruit and vegetables
- Sauces
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citric Acid bad for you?
Yes. E330 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Citric Acid vegan?
E330 is vegan. Produced by fermenting sugars with a mould, and found naturally in citrus fruit, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Citric Acid halal?
E330 is halal. Produced by fermenting sugars with a mould, and found naturally in citrus fruit, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E330 (Citric Acid) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).