That tangy sour flavor in some of the foods you eat may be due to citric acid, a naturally occurring acid found in many foods, most notably citrus fruits. Food manufacturers use citric acid both as a flavor enhancer and as a preservative in a variety of foods, including jams, jellies, and canned fruits and vegetables.
The United States Food and Drug Administration considers citric acid to be safe when used as a food additive. Typically, a person consumes about 500 mg citric acid per day, which is about the same as two ounces of orange juice. You also have citric acid in your body, as a part of normal metabolism and in bone health.
Citric acid appears to be perfectly safe, however there are some anecdotal reports of people who are sensitive to foods that contain citric acid.
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Sulfites enhance flavor and preserve freshness. artificial colorings improve the appearance of processed foods. BHA and BHT keep fats and oils fresh. Calcium propionate is used in breads and baked goods. Carrageenan is a thickener that may have health benefits.Source:
United States Food and Drug Administration. "Citric acid." Accessed August 21, 2009. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=82.
