⛔
Regulatory ban. This ingredient is banned or restricted in one or more countries. See Regulatory Status below.
SAFE
Citric acid
Citric acid (E330)
Possibly Safe
V2 Verified
Excipients & Additives
PubMed Studies
469
PubChem CID
About
Natural organic acid widely used as acidulant, preservative, pH modifier, and chelating agent. E330. Present naturally in citrus fruits. GRAS. One of the most widely used food additives globally.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
⚖️ Regulatory Status
⛔
FR — Banned
Banned by ANSES (2021) — hepatotoxicity confirmed in case reports. All Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) supplements prohibited in France.
⚠️
AU — Restricted
TGA monitoring — hepatotoxicity signals. Products subject to adverse event reporting requirements.
⚠️
JP — Restricted
Consumer Affairs Agency Japan advisory (2012) — hepatotoxicity. Mandatory labelling and dose restrictions apply.
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
Generally safe. High-dose chronic consumption may erode dental enamel (apply to liquid supplements). Rare reports of inflammatory reactions to citric acid derived from Aspergillus niger fermentation (theoretical allergy). Very safe at typical food/supplement quantities.
🏷️ Other Names
Citric acid (E330)