Citric acid is separated from a fermentation broth containing gluconic acid by using an adsorbent comprising a water-insoluble, macroreticular or gel, strongly or weakly basic anionic exchange resin possessing quaternary or tertiary amine functional groups, said a anionic exchange resin having a cross-linked acrylic or styrene resin matrix and a desorbent comprising water or dilute sulfuric acid. The pH of the feed is maintained below the first ionization constant (pKa.sub.1) of citric acid to maintain selectivity.