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Acidity regulatorINS 331
E331
Sodium citrates
What you need to know
Sodium citrates are the sodium salts of citric acid. They balance acidity in soft drinks and help dairy products stay smooth.
The body treats citrate as a normal part of metabolism.
Regulators consider them among the lowest-concern additives.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
Mono-, di- and trisodium citrate. JECFA ADI 'not specified'.
Synthesis: Synthetic (from citric acid)ADI Not specified (acceptable)