What is it?
Trisodium citrate dihydrate (C6H5Na3O7.2H2O) is a tribasic salt of citric acid. It has a sour taste similar to citric acid, and is salty as well. It is often used as a food preservative, and as a flavoring in the food industry. In the pharmaceutical industry it is used to control pH. It may be used as an alkalizing agent, buffering agent, emulsifier, or sequestering agent.
According to the FDA Select Committee on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food substances, citrate salts, including sodium citrate, are generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities.