E 331 Sodium citrates

What is E 331?

E 331 is the E number of Sodium citrates. Sodium salts of citric acid. They regulate acidity and act as emulsifying salts, for example in processed cheese, drinks and desserts.

What is E 331 used for?

E 331 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, sequestrant.

• Acidity regulator: Acidity regulators alter or control the acidity (pH) of a food.
• Emulsifying salt: Emulsifying salts disperse proteins in processed cheese so that fat and other components stay evenly distributed.
• Sequestrant: Sequestrants bind metal ions and so prevent unwanted reactions.

Which foods may contain E 331?

According to the European Commission's database, E 331 may be used in 92 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 331 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 331 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 331 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Acidity regulator: E 331" or "Acidity regulator: Sodium citrates".