How much citric acid is safe to use?
I am using citric acid as a preservative for peanut sauce. The 1tsp per quart is not strong enough. Is it safe to use a higher concentration? My peanut sauce is currently at a pH of 4.5, I need <4.3. I don't want to water down the sauce any more than it already is. I will be hot pack bottling, maybe.
Best Answer
According to (US) Code of Federal Regulations on Citric acid:
(c) In accordance with ยง 184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is used in food with no limitations other than current good manufacturing practice. (d) Prior sanctions for this ingredient different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.
Basically, you can eat the stuff by the spoon-full if you can stand the sour. If you're adding a lot compared to how much you think you should have to add, you might consider Phosphoric acid instead. You get a little more bang per mole pH-wise with that, and it too, within limits, is generally regarded as safe (GRAS).
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Quick Answer about "How much citric acid is safe to use?"
There is evidence from published studies that citric acid is safe for the target species when used up to 30 000 mg citric acid/kg complete feedingstuffs and the corresponding concentration in water for drinking (10 000 mg citric acid/L).How much citric acid can you have in a day?
There is no solid limit. It has more to do with maintaining balance with other dietary factors. The only difference between citric acid and ascorbic acid is one oxygen. As previously stated, there is no set upper limit (UL).How much citric acid should I use?
Most often, no more than 1 tablespoon of citric acid will be needed. It can also be used when preparing game meat to help eliminate any bacteria: Spray a solution of 1 ounce citric acid with 1 quart water prior to cooking.What happens if you add too much citric acid?
Still, there have been reports of sickness and allergic reactions to the additive. One report found joint pain with swelling and stiffness, muscular and stomach pain, as well as shortness of breath in four people after they consumed foods containing manufactured citric acid ( 4 ).Is citric acid damaging?
Surprisingly, researchers have found proof that it won't negatively impact your health. And as for the citric acid that comes from fruits and veggies, it can actually be beneficial due to its antioxidant status. \u201cCitric acid that's found naturally can act as an antioxidant, which helps fight disease,\u201d Gorin says.What is citric acid and is it harmful?
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