Triethyl citrate, additive code E1505, is a food additive used for various purposes in the food industry. It belongs to the citrate ester category and is derived from citric acid, a natural acid found in citrus fruits.
chemical structure
Triethyl citrate is an ester of citric acid, consisting of three ethyl groups attached to a citric acid molecule. It is produced by the esterification of citric acid and ethanol.
Function
Triethyl citrate has a variety of functions in the food industry, including its use as a plasticizer, chelating agent, and stabilizer. It is commonly used in the production of food packaging materials, especially films and coatings.
Plasticizer
As a plasticizer, triethyl citrate is added to plastic to improve its flexibility and durability. It is commonly used in materials that come into direct contact with food, such as food packaging films and coatings.
chelating agent
Triethyl citrate acts as a chelating agent, helping to bind metal ions and prevent them from causing adverse reactions in foods. This property aids in the preservation and stability of certain formulations.
stabilizer
Triethyl citrate acts as a stabilizer for a variety of food products, helping to maintain texture, color and overall quality over time.
food packaging
Due to its plasticizing properties, triethyl citrate is commonly used in the production of food packaging materials such as films, packaging materials and coatings. It helps improve the flexibility and performance of these materials.
Regulatory approval
The use of triethyl citrate as a food additive is regulated and its safety has been assessed by the food safety department. It is designated code E1505 in the EU and its use is subject to established guidelines.
Biodegradability
Triethyl citrate is considered biodegradable and its use in certain environmentally friendly and biodegradable packaging materials is in line with the sustainability goals of the food packaging industry.
Replace plasticizer
In addition to triethyl citrate, other citrate esters and alternative plasticizers may be used by the food packaging industry, depending on the specific requirements of the material and regulatory considerations.
As with any food additive, triethyl citrate must be used in compliance with regulatory guidelines and within approved limits. Consumers concerned about additives in food packaging materials may choose products with environmental labels or explore packaging alternatives that match their preferences.
