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 fruits, jams, and dairy products. Common in cleaning agents due to its ability to chelate metal ions, making it effective in removing hard water stains and descaling appliances. Used in pharmaceuticals to stabilize active ingredients and adjust pH in tablets and syrups. Employed in cosmetics and personal care products for pH adjustment and as an antioxidant. Also utilized in detergent formulations to improve cleaning efficiency by softening water.