Listing and annotation: Sodium citrate
Use: As a synthetic non-agricultural product allowed as an ingredient/processing aid in or on products labeled "organic" or "made with (specified organic ingredients/food groups)".
Common applications: White odorless crystals, granules or powder with a cool salty taste. Prevent “cream plug” in cream and “feathering” when cream is used in coffee; an emulsifier in ice cream, processed cheese, and evaporated milk; a buffer to control acidity and retain carbonation in beverages, in frozen fruit drinks, confections, fruit jellies, preserves and jams. It attaches itself to trace metals present in water and inhibits their entering the living cell. Proposed as a replacement for phosphates in detergents, but also cause algae growth and removes the necessary trace metals from water as well as the toxic ones. Used as a sequestering agent to remove trace metals in solutions and as an alkalizer in cosmetic products. Can alter urinary excretion of other drugs, thus making those drugs either less effective or more toxic. GRAS with GMP.
Reference: 7 CFR 205.605(b)
Date listed: 2002
Sunset Date: 6/27/2017
Note: The handling subcommittee is considering removing this material from the National List based on availability of alternatives that include citric acid and potassium citrate.