Allervibe
E331
Trisodium citrate
The sodium salt of citric acid, used to control acidity and to bind metal ions.
i Additive Details
| Is E331 Trisodium citrate safe?
Well tolerated and used in medicine as a source of citrate. It contributes sodium, worth noting for anyone on a sodium-restricted diet, though the amounts from additive use are small next to table salt. Very large quantities can have a mild laxative effect.
| Uses
Buffers acidity in soft drinks, jams, dairy desserts and gelatin, and stops milk proteins curdling in processed cheese, cream and UHT or evaporated milk. It is the classic emulsifying salt in cheese slices and cheese spreads, and is used medically as an anticoagulant in donated blood.
| Interactions
Works with citric acid (E330) as a buffer pair that holds pH within a narrow band. It chelates calcium, magnesium, iron and copper, which stabilises proteins, slows oxidation and gives processed cheese its even melt. E331 covers the mono-, di- and trisodium forms.
| Origin
Made by neutralising citric acid with a sodium source such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. The citric acid itself comes from fermenting sugars with the mould Aspergillus niger, so the finished salt is not extracted from citrus fruit.
| Daily Intake
JECFA and EFSA list the citrates with 'ADI not specified', the safest category, meaning no numerical limit is needed at the levels used in food. Citrate is a normal part of human metabolism.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E260 Acetic acid The acid that gives vinegar its sour taste, used to acidify and preserve food.
- E296 Malic acid The acid that gives apples their sharpness, used to add tartness and control pH.
- E297 Fumaric acid A powdered organic acid with a strong, slow-dissolving sourness, used as an acidulant.
- E332 Potassium citrates The potassium salts of citric acid, used to regulate acidity and bind metal ions.
- E334 L(+)-tartaric acid The natural acid of grapes, used to add sourness and as the acid in baking powder.
- E575 Glucono-delta-lactone A mild acid formed from glucose that slowly turns into gluconic acid once it meets water.
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