FDA Status
GRAS
Citric Acid (E330), CAS 77-92-9, is a acidity regulator additive holding a composite safety score of 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 17,953 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Nearly all processed foods and beverages.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Citric Acid to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Citric Acid, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2013-04-09. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E330 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 77-92-9 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Acidity Regulator | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 17,953 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
5.0 / 5
Composite Safety Generally Safe
Safety Score: 5 out of 5
Safety Rating 100.0%
EU Status
Approved
E330
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Citric Acid receives a safety score of 5/5 (Generally Safe) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Citric Acid as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Citric Acid. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Citric Acid?
Natural acid found in citrus fruits.
Health Concerns
- Generally recognized as safe.
Common Uses
Nearly all processed foods and beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citric Acid safe to consume?
Citric Acid has a safety score of 5/5 (Generally Safe). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Citric Acid used for in food?
Citric Acid is commonly used as: Nearly all processed foods and beverages. It belongs to the Acidity Regulator category of food additives.
Is Citric Acid banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Citric Acid. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Citric Acid?
The FDA classifies Citric Acid as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E330). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Citric Acid?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Citric Acid: Generally recognized as safe.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Citric Acid calculated?
The safety score of 5/5 for Citric Acid is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Acidity Regulator Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial