Citric Acid Monohydrate E330 Food Grade – High-Purity Acidulant & Preservative by Ensign / RZBC (25Kg Bag)
Citric Acid Monohydrate Food Grade (chemical formula: C₆H₈O₇·H₂O, international food additive code: E330 / INS 330) is a premier organic tricarboxylic acidulant extensively utilized throughout modern food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and technical formulations. Sourced directly from world-leading fermentation giants citric acid monohydrate ensign (Shandong Ensign Industry) and rzbc citric acid (RZBC Group) in China, this product complies with international pharmacopoeia and food chemical codex monographs including citric acid bp usp fcc and European Regulation (EU) E330. Featuring white crystalline granules with rapid water solubility and a refreshing tartness, this versatile e330 food additive functions as an indispensable pH regulator, flavor enhancer, and natural antioxidant synergist. Packaged in multi-wall moisture-resistant 25.0 Kg Net bags, it is the premier choice for commercial manufacturing facilities looking to procure bulk citric acid monohydrate 25kg or buy citric acid china at competitive wholesale pricing.
Technical Specification Standards Comparison – Citric Acid Monohydrate (Ensign vs RZBC)
| Technical Parameters & Identification | Ensign Specification Standard | RZBC Specification Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name / Synonyms | Citric Acid Monohydrate / 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid monohydrate | |
| Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight | C₆H₈O₇·H₂O | M = 210.14 g/mol | |
| CAS Registry No. / Food Additive Code | CAS: 5949-29-1 | INS 330 | E330 | |
| Country of Origin / Manufacturers | Shandong Ensign Industry Co., Ltd. (China) | RZBC Group Co., Ltd. (China) |
| Compendial Compliance Standards | Full compliance with international compendial monographs BP / USP / FCC / E330 | |
| Physical Appearance & Odor | White or almost white crystalline powder or colorless granules, odorless, strong acidic taste. Very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol | |
| Standard Granulation Profile | 8 – 40 mesh (equivalent to 0.425 – 2.360 mm) | |
| Identification Test | Passes Test | Passes Test |
| Appearance of Solution | Clear and colorless (Passes Test) | Clear and colorless (Passes Test) |
| Purity / Active Assay (dry basis) | 99.5% – 100.5% | 99.5% – 100.5% |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer) | 7.5% – 8.8% | 7.5% – 9.0% |
| Readily Carbonisable Substances | Passes Test | Passes Test |
| Sulphated Ash (Residue on Ignition) | ≤ 0.05% Max | ≤ 0.05% Max |
| Sulfate Content (as SO₄²⁻) | ≤ 50 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 150 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Oxalate Content (as Oxalate) | ≤ 50 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 100 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Chloride Content (as Cl⁻) | ≤ 5 mg/kg (ppm) | Complies with BP/USP limits |
| Aluminium Content (as Al) | ≤ 0.2 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 0.2 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 10 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Lead Content (Pb) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 0.5 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Arsenic Content (As) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 1 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Mercury Content (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | ≤ 1 mg/kg (ppm) |
| Bacterial Endotoxins | < 0.5 IU/mg | < 0.5 IU/mg |
| Commercial Packaging Specification | 25.0 Kg Net Bag (Food-grade 3-ply Kraft paper bag or block-bottom poly-lined bag with heat-sealed PE inner liner) | |
| Shelf Life | 36 months from manufacturing date (03 Years) | |
Biochemical Mechanism & Key Advantages of Ensign & RZBC Citric Acid
- Globally Certified Fermentation Quality: Both Shandong Ensign Industry and RZBC Group operate advanced submerged microbial fermentation systems utilizing non-GMO natural corn starch substrates. The facilities hold full FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HALAL, and KOSHER certifications, guaranteeing complete lot-to-lot traceability and pharmaceutical-grade chemical assay (99.5% – 100.5%).
- Refreshing, Clean Acid Tartness: As a natural organic carboxylic acid, citric acid delivers a clean, pleasant, and rapidly dissipating tartness that enhances perceived fruitiness without lingering harshness or bitter astringency. In beverage and confectionery applications, it modifies sweet-sour balances, rounding out flavor profiles.
- Exceptional Metal Chelation & Antioxidant Synergy: Featuring three carboxylic (-COOH) and one hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups, citric acid forms robust ring complexes (chelates) with trace polyvalent metal cations (Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺). By sequestering these catalytic ions, it suppresses auto-oxidation in vegetable fats and essential citrus oils, preventing rancidity, off-flavors, and enzymatic browning.
- Antimicrobial Protection via Acidification: Depressing product pH below the critical 4.6 microbial growth threshold increases the proportion of undissociated acid molecules. These diffuse across bacterial and fungal cellular membranes, causing intracellular acidification and disrupting cellular homeostasis to deliver clean-label food preservation.
- Protective 25kg Kraft Packaging: Citric acid monohydrate crystals are naturally susceptible to surface moisture caking under high humidity. The standardized 25.0 kg multi-ply Kraft paper bag with an internal heat-sealed virgin polyethylene liner prevents moisture vapour ingress, preserving free-flowing crystal granulation over a 36-month shelf life.
Multi-Sector Practical Applications of Citric Acid Monohydrate
Backed by compendial compliance and sensory purity, e330 food additive serves critical functional roles across diverse processing industries:
- Food & Beverage Processing (F&B):
• Carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, RTD teas, and energy drinks: Imparts a crisp tartness, activates taste buds, optimizes sugar-acid ratios, and stabilizes beverage clarity.
• Confectionery, jellies, and jams: Acts as an essential gelling catalyst by regulating pH to induce controlled pectin gelation, preventing sucrose recrystallization (graining).
• Sauces, ketchups, dressings, and canned foods: Lowers water phase pH to suppress foodborne pathogens (including Clostridium botulinum) while maintaining natural color vibrancy. - Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals:
• Primary organic acid reactant in effervescent tablets (Vitamin C, mineral carbonates) to release carbon dioxide gas upon contact with water.
• Chelating and buffering agent in liquid syrups to enhance the chemical stability and gastrointestinal bioavailability of iron and calcium salts. - Personal Care & Cosmetics:
• Balances physiological pH (pH 5.0 – 5.5) in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers to protect the dermal acid mantle.
• Acts as a mild natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) in chemical exfoliant formulations and skin-brightening serums. - Industrial Cleaning & Safe Descaling:
• Highly effective, biodegradable agent for dissolving calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) scale, rust films, and milkstone in food-processing stainless steel pipelines, boilers, and commercial espresso machines without causing chloride pitting corrosion.
Technical Dosing Guidelines, Handling & Storage Protocols
- Food & Beverage Dissolution Protocol:
• In compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, citric acid monohydrate crystals are typically pre-dissolved in ambient or warm purified water (RO/DI) before being introduced into the blending vessel.
• Reference Dosage Ranges: Carbonated beverages (0.1% – 0.3%), fruit jams and confectionery (0.3% – 1.0%), and table sauces or dressings (0.1% – 0.5%) based on targeted final titratable acidity. - Equipment Metallurgy: Aqueous citric acid solutions exhibit mild organic acidity. Process vessels, pumps, impellers, and distribution piping should be fabricated from food-contact stainless steel (SUS 304 / SUS 316L) or sanitary polymers (HDPE, PVDF). Avoid unlined carbon steel, aluminum, or galvanized metals.
- Personnel Protection: While non-toxic, concentrated airborne particulate dust can cause transient respiratory and ocular irritation. Operators handling bulk bags should wear protective dust masks and safety glasses. If ocular contact occurs, flush eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Warehouse Storage Protocol: Store in a cool, well-ventilated, dry warehouse with relative humidity below 70% and temperatures maintained below 30°C. Stack bags on clean pallets elevated at least 20 cm above floors and away from walls. Tightly reseal inner polyethylene liners immediately following partial use to prevent moisture-induced caking.
⚠️ SAFETY ADVISORY & COMPLIANCE DIRECTIVES:
• Handling Advisory: The product complies with food-grade monographs FCC, BP, USP, and E330. In concentrated crystalline dust form, it acts as a reversible eye irritant (GHS Category 2 Eye Irritation). Avoid rubbing eyes during dispensing.
• Food Additive Compliance: Commercial utilization of Citric Acid Monohydrate must conform to maximum permitted levels and designated food categories specified under national food safety standards (such as Vietnam MOH regulations) and the FAO/WHO Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
• Emergency First Aid: In case of eye contact, rinse immediately under an emergency eyewash fountain with copious water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical consultation.
Commercial Supply Policy at THP Chemical
Tan Hung Phu Chemical Co., Ltd. (THP Chemical) is an authorized direct importer and wholesale distributor of Citric Acid Monohydrate E330 (Ensign & RZBC China – 25kg Bag) supplying commercial beverage producers, food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical processors nationwide:
- 100% genuine factory imports from world-leading producers Shandong Ensign Industry and RZBC Group, fully compliant with international compendial monographs BP / USP / FCC / E330.
- Factory-sealed 25.0 Kg Net packaging (3-ply Kraft paper bag or block-bottom poly-lined bag with inner PE liner) with fresh 36-month shelf life.
- Comprehensive compliance documentation: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from Ensign/RZBC, 16-section Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and legal commercial VAT invoices provided with each dispatch.
- Extensive inventories maintained at our central Ho Chi Minh City logistics center, supporting rapid palletized dispatch nationwide and providing R&D sample support with competitive wholesale volume pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the functional difference between Citric Acid Monohydrate and Citric Acid Anhydrous?
Citric Acid Monohydrate (C₆H₈O₇·H₂O) contains one molecule of water of crystallization per acid molecule (7.5% – 9.0% water content). It dissolves rapidly with a rounded, pleasant tartness, representing the standard choice for beverages, syrups, jams, and canned foods. In contrast, Citric Acid Anhydrous (C₆H₈O₇) contains zero crystallization water (≤ 0.5% moisture). The anhydrous form is preferred for moisture-sensitive dry powder mixes, effervescent tablets, and dry seasoning blends to avoid premature chemical reaction or caking.
2. How do Ensign and RZBC Citric Acid compare, and which brand should our facility choose?
Both Shandong Ensign Industry and RZBC Group are world-tier fermentation manufacturers operating state-of-the-art submerged corn starch facilities. Both brands comply with compendial standards (BP, USP, FCC, E330, FSSC 22000, Halal, Kosher) with purities between 99.5% and 100.5%. While Ensign's specification sheet states marginally lower maximum thresholds for sulfates and oxalates, both provide consistent functional performance. Selection generally depends on your facility's internal Vendor Approval list.
3. Why does Citric Acid Monohydrate occasionally cake during prolonged storage?
Due to its crystalline hydrate habit, exposure to fluctuating ambient temperature and relative humidity above 70% can cause slight surface moisture migration, creating bridges between crystal particles (caking). This is a purely physical phenomenon that does not alter chemical purity or functional assay. Applying light mechanical pressure to the unopened bag readily breaks up lumps into free-flowing granules that dissolve normally.
4. Does THP Chemical provide batch COAs and VAT invoices for bulk orders?
Yes. THP Chemical supplies original manufacturer Certificates of Analysis (COA) corresponding to each production batch from Ensign or RZBC, complete 16-section MSDS sheets, and legal commercial VAT invoices with every wholesale order to satisfy corporate QA/QC and food safety auditing requirements.
Beverage manufacturers, commercial food processors, pharmaceutical facilities, and chemical distributors seeking to buy citric acid china or procure bulk citric acid monohydrate 25kg (Ensign / RZBC E330) or requesting R&D trial samples and batch COA/MSDS documents, please contact our Technical Sales Department directly:
Tan Hung Phu Chemical Co., Ltd. (THP Chemical)
Hotline / Zalo: 0913 711 647
Email: tanhungphu@thpchemical.com
