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Typical source

Mold fermentation of sugars

Plain-language explanation

Citric acid (E330) is a natural acid found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, used to give foods a sour taste and act as a preservative. It is considered halal when derived from plant sources or microbial fermentation, which is the most common production method today. However, if it is produced from sources that could be non-halal, such as certain animal-derived glycerol, its status would depend on the source, though major halal certification bodies generally consider it halal due to the typical manufacturing process.