Widely used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. It adds a sour taste to soft drinks, candies, and jams, and helps control pH in processed foods. Common in canned fruits and vegetables to maintain color and stability during storage. Used as a natural preservative due to its antioxidant properties, especially in ready-to-eat meals and dairy products. Also functions as a chelating agent, binding metal ions to prevent spoilage and rancidity in fats and oils. In cleaning products, effective at removing hard water stains, limescale, and rust due to its ability to dissolve mineral deposits. Found in household cleaners, descalers, and dishwasher detergents as a safer alternative to harsher acids. Common ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products, such as facial cleansers, toners, and bath salts, where it adjusts pH and enhances product stability. Used in effervescent formulations like bath bombs and soluble tablets. In pharmaceuticals, serves as a stabilizer and buffer in syrups, tablets, and effervescent formulations. Helps improve the taste of medicines and increases the solubility of active ingredients. Used in water treatment to control metal ion activity and prevent scaling in pipelines. Also applied in textile processing, electroplating, and as a component in detergent formulations.