Pfizer and other food companies have developed a proposal to use expert scientists to review the scientific data of food additive petitions that are submitted to FDA.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-104hrpt436/html/CRPT-104hrpt436.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6097542/
We present four case reports of patients with a history of significant and repetitive inflammatory reactions including respiratory symptoms, joint pain, irritable bowel symptoms, muscular pain and enervation following ingestion of foods, beverages or vitamins containing MCA. We believe that ingestion of the MCA may lead to a harmful inflammatory cascade which manifests differently in different individuals based on their genetic predisposition and susceptibility, and that the use of MCA as an additive in consumable products warrants further studies to document its safety.
Pfizer started to produce citric acid from Aspergillus niger in 1919, and this method is still used today across the world, particularly in China.
We have four case reports of individuals who demonstrate symptoms including: joint pain with swelling and stiffness, muscular pain, dyspnea, abdominal cramping and enervation that typically begin within 2–12 h of ingesting foods, beverages or vitamins containing MCA. Depending on the degree of symptoms, they resolve over a period of 8–72 h following ingestion. None of the four individuals in these case reports develop such symptoms when ingesting natural forms of citric acid such as in lemons and limes.
Given the ubiquitous presence of MCA and repetitive exposure to it through ingesting common foods and beverages, we may be re-introducing small amounts of A. niger proteins or byproducts into our bodies, and repeatedly eliciting an insidious low grade immune response. With the repetitive exposure and insult, the immune system maintains a low grade inflammatory response. Over time, the chronic inflammatory state can impact various systems in the body depending on the individual’s weaker or compromised organ system. Ingestion of the MCA leads to an inflammatory cascade which manifests differently in different individuals based on their genetic predisposition, susceptibility and underling medical history, as well as the degree of stress exerted by environmental factors.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6097542/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6097542/table/tbl0005/