Natural Flavors And Citric Acid

Natural flavors are complex mixtures derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, or other edible plant materials. They are created through physical, enzymatic, or microbiological processes and are intended to be used for flavoring food. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits.

Natural flavors are used to impart specific tastes and aromas to foods and beverages, enhancing their appeal. Citric acid is often added to foods and drinks to provide a tart, sour taste and to act as a preservative. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and processed fruits and vegetables.

In the U.S., both natural flavors and citric acid are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for their intended purpose. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated these substances. At typical consumption levels, they are not associated with adverse health effects. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience sensitivity to highly concentrated acids.