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 and packaged foods. Commonly used in cleaning products due to its ability to chelate metal ions, making it effective in removing hard water stains and descaling appliances. Used in pharmaceuticals to stabilize and flavor medications, and in cosmetics as a pH adjuster in creams and lotions. Also employed in detergent formulations to improve cleaning efficiency by softening water.