Sodium citrate is a water-soluble salt derived from citric acid that serves multiple roles in food manufacturing. It acts as a pH regulator, emulsifier, and preservative, and it appears in products ranging from processed cheese to soft drinks and ice cream. The compound is classified under E number E331.
Halal food producers rely on verified ingredient sourcing to maintain compliance with Islamic dietary law. Sodium citrate is produced through a straightforward chemical reaction, but halal certification confirms that the entire supply chain meets the required standards.
Is Sodium Citrate Halal Certified?
Yes, sodium citrate (E331) is classified as halal. According to HalalCodeCheck, E331 is generally accepted as halal because it is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources. The compound is produced by combining citric acid with sodium hydroxide, a process that does not involve animal-derived ingredients.
Production and Technical Specifications
Sodium citrate is produced by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide. It appears as a white crystalline powder with a slightly salty taste and a minimum purity of 99% in food and pharmaceutical grades.
The compound exists in several forms, including monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, and trisodium citrate. Trisodium citrate dihydrate is the most common form used in food manufacturing due to its excellent solubility and buffering capacity.
Food and Beverage Uses
Sodium citrate is a key ingredient in processed cheese, where it acts as an emulsifying salt that prevents fat separation during melting. It is also used in soft drinks and flavored beverages as an acidity regulator that provides a tart, clean flavor profile.
In ice cream and jelly production, sodium citrate stabilizes the mixture and prevents crystallization. The compound also appears in club soda, energy drinks, and pharmaceutical syrups where pH stability is critical to product performance.
Verifying Halal Compliance for E331
When sourcing sodium citrate for halal food manufacturing, request a halal certificate from the supplier that names the specific product grade and production facility. Recognized certification bodies include IFANCA, MUI, and JAKIM.
Because citric acid (the precursor to sodium citrate) can be produced through microbial fermentation, confirm that the fermentation substrate is free from animal-derived nutrients. A certificate of analysis combined with halal documentation provides complete assurance for your ingredient records.
Halal Trisodium Citrate Supplier
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