About
What it is and where it shows up.
Trisodium citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid, used in food as an acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, sequestrant, and buffer. It is widely found in processed cheeses, soft drinks, infant formula, and UHT/sterilised milk to stabilise pH and prevent coagulation.
Safety summary
The regulatory and scientific consensus.
JECFA concluded that citric acid and its sodium salts, including trisodium citrate, do not constitute a significant toxicological hazard to humans, assigning an ADI 'not limited.' It is metabolised through well-established citric acid pathways. Due to its sodium content, intake should be moderated by individuals with hypertension or impaired renal function.
Regulatory landscape
What food-safety regulators have decided.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Approved as food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008; purity specifications (including drying conditions and lead content) set in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012; ADI not limited.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | Approved under UK assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (Annex II and III); conditions of use maintained post-Brexit.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Listed in FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS); permitted as direct food additive and food contact substance under 21 CFR; GRAS status recognised via FEMA and JECFA alignment.source |
Who should approach with care
Whose guidance would steer them away.
Hypertension — Trisodium citrate contributes three sodium ions per molecule; cumulative dietary sodium from multiple processed foods containing this additive may contribute to elevated blood pressure in sodium-sensitive individuals.
Kidney Disease — Individuals with moderate-to-severe renal impairment may have reduced capacity to excrete sodium and citrate, potentially leading to metabolic alkalosis or electrolyte imbalances at elevated intakes.
Infants — While trisodium citrate is permitted in infant formula under Codex standards (CXG 10-1979), use levels must remain within specifications as infants have immature renal function and limited capacity to handle excess sodium or citrate loads.
Research citations
The sources behind this verdict.
- 1FAO. JECFA Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications – Trisodium Citrate (INS 331(iii)) Monograph. fao.org
- 2FAO. GSFA Online Food Additive Details for Trisodium citrate (INS 331(iii)). fao.org
- 3FAO. Joint FAO/WHO Codex Committee on Food Additives – CX/FA 23/53/16: Use of Trisodium Citrate (INS 331(iii)) in Fluid Milk, 2023. fao.org
- 4other. Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 laying down specifications for food additives listed in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, 2012. eur-lex.europa.eu
- 5WHO. JECFA Database: Sodium citrate (Trisodium citrate) – Chemical ID 1649, 1975. apps.who.int
Independently researched5 citations