Citrus Extract | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Citrus extract is a broad category of ingredients derived from the peel, seed, pulp, or pith of citrus fruits (e.g., lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime), containing bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, essential oils, polyphenols, and organic acids. It is used in food as a natural preservative/antioxidant, flavouring agent, and texturizer to extend shelf life and enhance sensory qualities.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Citrus extract in food-grade forms is broadly considered safe for the general adult population, with no established ADI and a long history of use; individual components (e.g., lemon extract) are recognised as GRAS by the FDA. At high supplemental doses, certain fringe products (e.g., concentrated grapefruit seed extract) may interact with cytochrome P450 drug metabolism. Citrus-sensitive individuals or those with citrus allergies may experience reactions.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia)	Approved	Citrus extracts are permitted as natural flavourings and antioxidants under FSANZ Food Standards Code Standard 1.3.1. No specific INS number assigned to generic citrus extract.source
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Citrus extracts are permitted in the EU as natural flavourings and antioxidants under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 (flavourings) and Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (food additives). No specific E-number has been assigned to generic 'citrus extract'; specific components such as citric acid (E330) and ascorbic acid from citrus (E300) carry separate E-numbers. Conditions of use governed by quantum satis (good manufacturing practice) where no numerical maximum is specified.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Natural citrus extracts used as flavourings and antioxidants are permissible under FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations. Specific components such as citric acid (INS 330) are explicitly listed. Quantum satis applies for natural flavourings.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Lemon extract (Citrus limon) and other individual citrus extracts are listed in FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory as GRAS flavouring substances. Citrus bioflavonoids listed under 21 CFR as dietary supplement ingredients. Citrus fiber recognised GRAS (GRN 599) as texturizer/moisture retention agent at up to 4–5% in select foods.

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Other — Individuals with known citrus allergies or hypersensitivity to citrus fruits should exercise caution, as citrus extracts may trigger allergic reactions including skin irritation, oral allergy syndrome, or anaphylaxis in sensitised persons.

Kidney Disease — Citrus extracts high in potassium or oxalate (e.g., concentrated lemon or grapefruit extract) may be problematic for individuals with chronic kidney disease who require potassium or oxalate restriction.

Other — Grapefruit extract specifically contains furanocoumarins (e.g., bergamottin) that inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 and can raise plasma levels of numerous medications; patients on statins, immunosuppressants, calcium channel blockers, or anticoagulants should consult a doctor before consuming concentrated grapefruit extract.

Ibs — High-dose citrus peel or seed extracts may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux due to their acidic and bioactive compound content.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS): Lemon Extract (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.). hfpappexternal.fda.gov
2EFSA. Food Additives — EFSA Topic Overview. efsa.europa.eu
3FDA. Food Additive Status List — 21 CFR: Bioflavonoids, Citrus, 2026. fda.gov
4PubMed. Citrus By-Products: Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds for Food Applications, 2023. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5FDA. GRAS Notice 000599: Citrus Fiber (CitriTex®) — Cargill, Incorporated, 2015. fda.gov

Independently researched5 citations