What is Sodium Citrate (E331)?
Last updated on: 2/26/2026
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
9
/10
Low Concern
Generally safe within regulatory limits, though total sodium intake should be monitored.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Sodium Citrate (E331) is the sodium salt of citric acid, a naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits. It functions primarily as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and buffering agent in food.
Safety Summary
- Sodium citrate is approved by FDA (GRAS), EFSA, and FSSAI. It is evaluated by WHO/JECFA with a group ADI of 0–50 mg/kg body weight/day.
- Sodium Citrate has a long history of safe and stable use in beverages and processed cheese products etc.
Who should be cautious?
Individuals on sodium-restricted diets should consider total sodium intake from all sources.
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E331 |
|
INS Number : |
INS 331 |
|
Category : |
Acidity regulator |
|
Sub-category : |
Buffering agent, Sequestrant, Emulsifier |
|
Origin : |
Nature-identical (commercially produced sodium salt of citric acid) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
331,Trisodium citrate, Disodium citrate, Monosodium citrate |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Citric Acid (E330), Potassium Citrate (E332) |
Common Products
Sodium Citrate is commonly found in following food products:
- Processed cheese,
- Beverages,
- Confectionery,
- Desserts,
- Dairy products,
- Jams, and effervescent drinks to control acidity and improve texture stability.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Listed under 21 CFR §184.1751 as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).Approved for use in food under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
European Commission-authorized E331 under EU food additive regulations for use in specified food categories within permitted limits. check complete reference here. |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Permitted for use in various food categories under Appendix A (4), within specified limits or GMP. |
Health concerns
- Studies have found no evidence of genotoxicity or carcinogenicity identified at approved use levels.
- Excessive intake may contribute to mild gastrointestinal discomfort or electrolyte imbalance in sensitive individuals.
Conclusions
Sodium Citrate (E331) is a widely approved acidity regulator and emulsifier with a long history of safe use. It has an established group ADI of 0–50 mg/kg body weight/day and is considered safe within regulatory limits.