TRISODIUM CITRATE DIHYDRATE (30-100 MESH)

Introduction

Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate is the sodium salt of citric acid and is classified as a food additive with the E number E331. It appears as a white, crystalline powder and is known for its slightly saline, tart taste. The "30-100 Mesh" specification refers to the particle size distribution of the powder, indicating it is a granular material suitable for applications where specific flow and dissolution characteristics are required.

As a multifunctional food additive, it is widely used as a buffering agent, acidity regulator, sequestrant (chelating agent), and emulsifier. Its ability to control pH is crucial in many processed foods and beverages. It also effectively binds metal ions, which can prevent the oxidation of fats and the discoloration of fruits and vegetables.

CAS Number

6132-04-3 (for the dihydrate form)

Synonyms

• Sodium citrate dihydrate
• Citrosodine
• E331

Topic Headings

1. Primary Food Applications (list form)

• Buffering agent — Controls and maintains pH in soft drinks, fruit juices, and processed cheese to ensure flavor and textural stability.
• Emulsifying salt — Acts as a sequestrant in processed cheese, emulsifying fats and proteins to create a smooth, stable melt.
• Sequestrant — Chelates metal ions (e.g., Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺), preventing them from catalyzing oxidative rancidity in oils and fats.
• Antioxidant synergist — Works in combination with primary antioxidants like BHA and BHT to enhance their effectiveness.
• Flavor modifier — Contributes a "sour-salt" taste profile and is used in products like sherbet to create a characteristic tartness.
• Stabilizer — Helps stabilize foams and emulsions in whipped products and dressings.

2. Mechanism of Action: Sequestration (paragraph form)

Trisodium Citrate acts as a chelating or sequestering agent due to the citrate ion's ability to form stable, water-soluble complexes with polyvalent metal ions. In a food system, these metal ions, if left free, can act as powerful catalysts for oxidation reactions that cause rancidity, off-flavors, and color changes. The citrate ion forms a ring-like structure around the metal ion, effectively "locking it up" and rendering it chemically inactive. This protects the food's color, flavor, and nutritional quality.

3. Physical and chemical properties (list form)

• Appearance — White, crystalline powder or translucent crystals.
• Odor — Odorless.
• Taste — Characteristic cooling, slightly saline taste.
• Molecular weight — 294.1 g/mol (for the dihydrate).
• Solubility — Very soluble in water.
• Solubility in water — Approximately 72 g/100mL at 25°C (anhydrous basis).
• pH (5% solution) — Between 7.5 and 9.0 (slightly alkaline).
• Bulk density — A 30-100 Mesh powder has an intermediate bulk density, making it suitable for blending in dry mixes.

4. Safety and Regulatory Status (paragraph form)

Trisodium Citrate is considered very safe and is one of the most widely used food additives globally. The FDA includes it on its GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. It has been evaluated by JECFA, which established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of "not limited" for its approved uses. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also re-evaluated E331 and confirmed its safety at current permitted levels. It is not an allergen, and the body metabolizes it efficiently as part of the normal citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle).

TRISODIUM CITRATE DIHYDRATE (30-100 MESH)

Introduction

Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate is the sodium salt of citric acid and is classified as a food additive with the E number E331. It appears as a white, crystalline powder and is known for its slightly saline, tart taste. The "30-100 Mesh" specification refers to the particle size distribution of the powder, indicating it is a granular material suitable for applications where specific flow and dissolution characteristics are required.

As a multifunctional food additive, it is widely used as a buffering agent, acidity regulator, sequestrant (chelating agent), and emulsifier. Its ability to control pH is crucial in many processed foods and beverages. It also effectively binds metal ions, which can prevent the oxidation of fats and the discoloration of fruits and vegetables.

CAS Number

6132-04-3 (for the dihydrate form)

Synonyms

• Sodium citrate dihydrate
• Citrosodine
• E331

Topic Headings

1. Primary Food Applications (list form)

• Buffering agent — Controls and maintains pH in soft drinks, fruit juices, and processed cheese to ensure flavor and textural stability.
• Emulsifying salt — Acts as a sequestrant in processed cheese, emulsifying fats and proteins to create a smooth, stable melt.
• Sequestrant — Chelates metal ions (e.g., Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺), preventing them from catalyzing oxidative rancidity in oils and fats.
• Antioxidant synergist — Works in combination with primary antioxidants like BHA and BHT to enhance their effectiveness.
• Flavor modifier — Contributes a "sour-salt" taste profile and is used in products like sherbet to create a characteristic tartness.
• Stabilizer — Helps stabilize foams and emulsions in whipped products and dressings.

2. Mechanism of Action: Sequestration (paragraph form)

Trisodium Citrate acts as a chelating or sequestering agent due to the citrate ion's ability to form stable, water-soluble complexes with polyvalent metal ions. In a food system, these metal ions, if left free, can act as powerful catalysts for oxidation reactions that cause rancidity, off-flavors, and color changes. The citrate ion forms a ring-like structure around the metal ion, effectively "locking it up" and rendering it chemically inactive. This protects the food's color, flavor, and nutritional quality.

3. Physical and chemical properties (list form)

• Appearance — White, crystalline powder or translucent crystals.
• Odor — Odorless.
• Taste — Characteristic cooling, slightly saline taste.
• Molecular weight — 294.1 g/mol (for the dihydrate).
• Solubility — Very soluble in water.
• Solubility in water — Approximately 72 g/100mL at 25°C (anhydrous basis).
• pH (5% solution) — Between 7.5 and 9.0 (slightly alkaline).
• Bulk density — A 30-100 Mesh powder has an intermediate bulk density, making it suitable for blending in dry mixes.

4. Safety and Regulatory Status (paragraph form)

Trisodium Citrate is considered very safe and is one of the most widely used food additives globally. The FDA includes it on its GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. It has been evaluated by JECFA, which established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of "not limited" for its approved uses. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also re-evaluated E331 and confirmed its safety at current permitted levels. It is not an allergen, and the body metabolizes it efficiently as part of the normal citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle).