Citric acid is a chemical compound found in nearly all living organisms, including humans. Many foods naturally contain citric acid, including citrus fruits, tomatoes and apples, with lemons and limes containing the most concentrated amounts. The manufacturing industry can extract citric acid from citrus fruits or pineapple waste or produce it through a process of fermentation to use in a variety of products.
Personal Care Products
Personal care products such as cosmetics, fragrances and anti-aging products may contain citric acid. The Environmental Working Group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reports citric acid as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful. The acidity of citric acid promotes skin peeling and regrowth, making it desirable for use in anti-aging creams and lotions.
Bath Salts
Bath salts, or bath fizzies as many women fondly call them, not only make bath time fun but also relaxing. You can use citric acid mixed with baking soda to make your own bath fizzies. Add fragrance, witch hazel and coloring, and you have the perfect combination of skin-softening agents with a touch of scent released in every tiny bubble.
Pesticides
The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, reports that citric acid is an active ingredient in pesticide products used as residential and commercial disinfectants, sanitizers and fungicides. Citric acid containing products can kill odor-causing bacteria, mildew, fungi, bacteria and some viruses, all while removing dirt, soap scum and calcium products. Because citric acid is a natural component of soil and water and plays a role in the breakdown of carbohydrates within living organisms, the EPA considers it safe for use and rates it as a negligible environmental exposure threat.
Flavor Enhancer
Citric acid is the most versatile and widely used organic acid in the food industry. The food and beverage industry uses approximately 320,000 tons of citric acid per year, according to The Food Additives and Ingredients Association. In the beverage industry, citric acid enhances the flavor of soft drinks, adding the sharp or sour taste to the drink. Food manufacturers also commonly add citric acid to sweets and other foods.
Food Preservative
The food industry also uses citric acid as a food preservative. Some foods require the use of an emulsifier -- an ingredient that facilitates the mixing of oil and water. Citric acid stabilizes these foods, helping to keep dairy products and processed cheese in uniform mixtures. Citric acid also helps prevent browning of fresh fruits and vegetables, preserves meat products and prevents deterioration of frozen foods.
Member Comments