Citric Acid (E330)
Citric acid is an organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, and it also plays a part in the body's energy production. In food it adds sourness and freshness, and in cleaning it is an effective and safe descaler. It is low risk in normal use; you only need to watch a few points, such as tooth enamel and contact with the eyes.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
Because it is a substance found naturally in the body and easily metabolised, it is low risk; the upper end reflects the erosive effect of frequently consumed acidic drinks on tooth enamel.
It is a safe alternative to harsh chemicals for descaling; eye contact with concentrated powder or solution, and mixing it with bleach, define the upper end of the range.
What is citric acid and what is it used for?
Citric acid is the organic acid that gives citrus fruits their sour taste, and it is a natural part of the energy cycle in our cells (the citric acid cycle). In industry it is made not from lemons but by fermenting sugar or starch sources with a mould called Aspergillus niger; the acid produced is purified, and no mould remains in the final product.
In food it adds sourness, regulates acidity, slows the browning of fruit and vegetables and boosts the effect of other antioxidants. Thanks to its ability to bind metals, it dissolves limescale (calcium carbonate) in cleaning.
Which products contain it?
- Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, sweets and jellies
- Canned vegetables, jams, sauces and frozen fruit
- Citric acid powder used in the kitchen (sometimes called sour salt)
- Descalers, dishwasher products and bathroom cleaners
- Descaling powders for kettles, coffee machines and washing machines
Is it harmful in food?
Citric acid is readily used by the body, and EFSA, as with many natural acids, has not considered it necessary to set a numerical daily intake limit. No health risk is expected when it is consumed in normal amounts.
The main thing to watch is tooth enamel: frequent consumption of acidic drinks and sour sweets containing citric acid can erode tooth enamel. The “citric acid allergy” complaints often seen online usually relate to sensitivity to citrus fruits or to acidic foods making heartburn worse. It has been suggested that trace mould components left over from fermentation may cause reactions in some people, but the evidence for this is limited.
How is it used in cleaning?
For descaling, citric acid is a much safer option than strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. It is effective at dissolving limescale on kettles, glass, taps and shower heads, and it does not leave the sharp smell of vinegar.
- Never mix it with bleach: When acids come into contact with bleach (sodium hypochlorite), toxic chlorine gas can be released.
- Don't use it on marble or natural stone: The acid dulls and etches calcareous surfaces such as marble.
- Take care not to get the powder in your eyes: Concentrated citric acid irritates the eyes; in case of contact, rinse with plenty of water.
What to do when you see it on a label
There is no need to worry when you see E330 on a food label; it is one of the least problematic food additives. If you drink acidic drinks often, using a straw and drinking water straight afterwards helps protect your teeth; rather than brushing your teeth immediately after an acidic drink, it is recommended to wait a while. In cleaning, citric acid is a safe and economical choice when used with gloves and on the right surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Is sour salt the same as citric acid?
Yes. The sour salt (in Türkiye, “limon tuzu”) used in the kitchen is citric acid in powder form.
If citric acid is made using mould, is it harmful?
No. The mould is used only in production; the final product is purified citric acid and is chemically identical to natural citric acid.
Which is better for descaling, vinegar or citric acid?
Both are effective. Citric acid leaves no smell and works faster in hot water; vinegar is easy to find. Neither should be mixed with bleach.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.