My family experienced severe health issues due to mold toxicity, which was unknowingly present in the rental home we lived in. It wasn't until we all began to feel seriously ill that we discovered the underlying cause. This terrifying experience drove me to scrutinize everything we consumed, leading to a shocking revelation about the manufactured citric acid prevalent in everyday products.

Manufactured citric acid, often labeled as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is now manmade. Originally derived from citrus fruits like lemons and limes, today, an astounding 99% of citric acid is synthetically produced using aspergillus niger- a type of mold. This shift away from natural sources to a more cost-effective, mass-produced variant poses risks, particularly for those sensitive to foods, along with the estimated 25% of the population sensitive to mold. 

Given the potential health implications, it is vital that the FDA reevaluates the GRAS status of manufactured citric acid, along with reviewing labeling practices. Under the FDA, there is no clear definition of “natural” for foods. While cost-efficiency and mass production drive this synthetic practice, it should not come at the expense of consumer health. New regulations could potentially safeguard individuals, especially those sensitive to additives or prone to mold allergies, from inadvertent exposure through their everyday product consumption.

Manufactured citric acid was affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food, effective December 12, 1994. While it gained formal regulatory affirmation then, it was considered GRAS due to a long history of prior use before the 1958 Food Additives Amendment. What does it mean, it was "grandfathered", and the extent of any recent research is questionable.

We urge the FDA to examine not only the safety but also the quality of ingredients being used in products widely available in the market. Reevaluation and regulation are necessary steps towards transparency and ensuring public health does not suffer due to unchecked industrial practices. A small amount of an ingredient may not be a big deal, but when you consume something repeatedly, there is a cumulative effect on your body. We need to consider the long-term impact of manufactured citric acid consumption. It is in so many packaged products.

Join us in advocating for change to protect the health of our families and communities. Your signature can help spark regulatory reform, providing safer shopping choices for everyone. Let's make sure what's recognized as safe truly is. Please sign this petition to prompt the FDA to act now on manufactured citric acid.