Widely used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. It provides a sour taste in soft drinks, candies, and fruit juices. Acts as a natural preservative by lowering pH, inhibiting microbial growth in canned foods and dairy products. Common in cleaning agents due to its ability to chelate metals, making it effective in removing hard water stains and descaling appliances. Used in pharmaceuticals to stabilize or flavor medications and in effervescent tablets. Employed in cosmetics and skincare products for pH adjustment and as an antioxidant. Also utilized in water treatment and detergents for its biodegradable chelating properties.