About
Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, existing as mono- (INS 331i), di- (INS 331ii), and trisodium (INS 331iii) forms; it functions as an acidity regulator, buffering agent, emulsifying salt, and sequestrant in a wide range of processed foods and beverages. It is widely used in processed cheese, soft drinks, jams, infant formula, and sports drinks to control pH, improve texture, and stabilise formulations.
Safety summary
Both JECFA and EFSA have established an ADI of 'not specified' for sodium citrates, reflecting a robust safety record at levels used in food and no evidence of genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity. The primary nutritional concern is its sodium content: at high cumulative dietary exposure, sodium citrate may contribute meaningfully to total sodium intake, which is relevant for individuals with hypertension, heart disease, or chronic kidney disease. No sensitive-population contraindications beyond sodium load have been identified in regulatory assessments.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Permitted as sodium citrates (INS 331) under FSANZ Food Standards Code Standard 1.3.1; listed as an acidity regulator with quantum satis permissions in most food categories.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised as E331 (monosodium, disodium, and trisodium citrate) under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and its Annex II; permitted at quantum satis as acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, and sequestrant across most food categories; specific maximum levels apply in infant formula and some processed foods.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | Retained as E331 under Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 following Brexit; same permissions as the EU framework apply in Great Britain.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted as INS 331 (sodium citrates: 331i monosodium, 331ii disodium, 331iii trisodium) under FSS (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 (Compendium Version II, Jan 2024); approved as acidity regulator at GMP levels across multiple food categories including infant formula.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 §182.1751 – Sodium Citrate (GRAS Sequestrant) and §184.1751 – Sodium Citrate (Affirmed GRAS). accessdata.fda.gov
- 2WHO. FAO/WHO GSFA Online – Trisodium Citrate: JECFA Food Additive Details. fao.org
- 3other. Authorised Regulated Food and Feed Products – E-331 Sodium Citrates (Food Standards Agency, Great Britain). data.food.gov.uk
- 4FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 – Compendium Version II (January 2024), 2024. fssai.gov.in
- 5EFSA. Re-evaluation of citric acid (E 330) and its sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium salts (E 331–333) as food additives, 2014. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
