What is E331iii?
Sodium citrate (E331(iii)) is trisodium citrate, used for acidity control and other technical functions in specified foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the formulation and sodium contribution.
E331(iii) is trisodium citrate, a sodium citrate used to buffer acidity and support selected emulsifying-salt and sequestrant functions.
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What is Sodium citrate?
Trisodium citrate is a salt of citric acid. It can help control acidity and interact with minerals or proteins in selected food formulations.
What's it used for?
- Buffering acidity
- Supporting emulsifying-salt functions
- Sequestering minerals where permitted
- Supporting processing and texture
Where you'll find E331iii on the shelf
It is most relevant to processed foods, beverages, cheeses and other products where acidity or mineral control is needed.
Is E331iii permitted? What the regulators say
Trisodium citrate is permitted in the three systems checked, with category, purity and good manufacturing practice conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ covers sodium citrates (INS 331), including the relevant form, in Schedule 15; the category and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E331 sodium citrates, including E331(iii), with the applicable category and purity conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 184.1751 affirms food-grade sodium citrate as GRAS when used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E331iii Caution to encourage awareness of sodium citrate and the wider formulation. This does not say authorised use is harmful.
Eco score: Coming Soon.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 covers sodium citrates and category-specific permissions.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 cover E331 and purity.
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1751 covers sodium citrate.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People tracking sodium in the wider diet
- People comparing emulsifying salts and acidity regulators
- People who prefer to understand technical ingredients
Goodnessly rates E331iii Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sodium citrate
- Trisodium citrate
- 331(iii) or E331(iii)
- Acidity regulator (331) or emulsifying salt (331)
The label may use sodium citrate, trisodium citrate, E331(iii), or the functional class with 331.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E331(iii)?
E331(iii) is trisodium citrate, a sodium citrate used for permitted technical functions.
Is E331(iii) permitted?
E331(iii) is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use level still matter.
Why is sodium citrate rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice sodium citrate and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E331iii?
Goodnessly rates E331iii (sodium citrate) as Caution.
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