About
What it is and where it shows up.
Lime is the small, green-skinned citrus fruit of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle, widely used in food and beverage production for its tart, acidic juice and aromatic peel oil. It serves as a natural flavouring, acidifying agent, and source of vitamin C in culinary applications worldwide.
Safety summary
The regulatory and scientific consensus.
Lime and lime juice are broadly considered safe for the general adult population with a long history of use as a whole food and food ingredient. High citric acid content may contribute to dental enamel erosion with excessive consumption. Lime juice concentrate has higher permissible lead contaminant thresholds (2.0 ppm) under FSSAI regulations compared to most other fruit juices (1.0 ppm), reflecting its intrinsic acidity.
Regulatory landscape
What food-safety regulators have decided.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Lime oil from Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle is authorised as a sensory feed additive (flavouring) in the EU under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1490. EFSA FEEDAP Panel concluded no consumer safety concerns at the maximum proposed use levels in feed (EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6548). As a food flavouring preparation produced from a food source, lime preparations may be used in food without separate pre-market approval under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, provided no safety risk to consumers is identified.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Lime/lemon juice is explicitly recognised under FSSAI Food Product Standards Chapter 2.3 (Fruit & Vegetable Products). Lime/lemon ready-to-serve beverages must contain not less than 5.0% fruit juice (m/m). Lemon and lime juice may be added as an acidifying agent in quantities that do not impair the characteristic fruit flavour. Lead contaminant MRL for lime juice and lemon juice concentrates is 2.0 ppm (FSSAI Contaminants Regulations, Version VIII, 2025).source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Lime juice is listed in FDA's Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) database as an approved food ingredient. Lime oil (distilled) is also listed. No specific ADI established; used consistent with GRAS principles for flavouring and acidifying. Common use in food before 1958 qualifies it under 21 CFR 170.30(c).source |
Who should approach with care
Whose guidance would steer them away.
Kidney Disease — High citric acid and potassium content in lime juice may be problematic for individuals with chronic kidney disease who must restrict potassium and manage urinary oxalate levels; medical guidance is advised.
Gout — While lime itself is low in purines, its strong acidic nature may interact with urate metabolism; patients on uric acid-lowering medications should consult their doctor regarding high citrus intake.
Ibs — High-acidity foods such as lime juice may exacerbate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome in sensitive individuals.
Other — Lime peel and expressed lime oil contain furocoumarins that may cause phototoxicity upon skin contact and sun exposure, as noted in the EFSA FEEDAP safety assessment (EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6548); this applies to topical use rather than dietary consumption.
Research citations
The sources behind this verdict.
- 1FDA. Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) — Lime Juice. hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 2FDA. Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) — Lime Oil Distilled. hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 3FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations — Version VIII, 2025. fssai.gov.in
- 4FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations — Chapter 2.3: Fruit & Vegetable Products, 2023. fssai.gov.in
- 5EFSA. Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of expressed lemon oil and its fractions from Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck and of lime oil from Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl), 2021. efsa.europa.eu
Independently researched5 citations