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E381 Ammonium Citrates - Food Additive

E381 is an approved food additive (ammonium citrates) used as an acidity regulator and stabiliser in a wide range of food products.

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Things worth knowing about "E381"

E381 is an approved food additive (ammonium citrates) used as an acidity regulator and stabiliser in a wide range of food products.

What is E381?

E381 is the official EU designation for ammonium citrates, a group of salts formed by neutralising citric acid with ammonia. These are approved food additives used primarily as acidity regulators, buffering agents, and stabilisers in the food industry. The substance typically appears as a white, crystalline powder or granulate and is highly water-soluble.

Chemical Properties

Ammonium citrates are produced by reacting citric acid (E330) with ammonia. Depending on the degree of neutralisation, three forms are distinguished:

Monoammonium citrate (singly neutralised)
Diammonium citrate (doubly neutralised)
Triammonium citrate (triply neutralised)

These variants differ in their pH levels and solubility, making each suitable for different technological applications in food processing.

Use in Food Products

E381 is used as a technical processing aid across various food categories. Typical applications include:

Juices and soft drinks as an acidity regulator
Dairy products and processed cheese as a buffering agent
Baked goods for pH regulation
Ready-made meals and sauces as a stabiliser

The additive helps to stabilise the pH level of a food product, extend shelf life, and improve texture and consistency.

Safety and Health Assessment

E381 is considered safe for human consumption according to current scientific evidence. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated ammonium citrates and classified them as safe when used within the permitted maximum levels. Citrate is fully metabolised in the body via the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), while ammonia is detoxified by the liver and excreted through the kidneys.

Individuals with impaired kidney or liver function should exercise caution with very high consumption of ammonium-containing additives, as their detoxification capacity may be limited. Within the context of a normal, balanced diet, no adverse health effects are expected.

Labelling Requirements

In the European Union, food additives must be listed on a product's ingredient label in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, either by their E-number E381 or by their full name ammonium citrates. This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of citric acid (E 330) and sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium citrates (E 331-333) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2020.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
Belitz, H.D., Grosch, W. & Schieberle, P.: Food Chemistry. Springer, Berlin, 4th edition, 2009.

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