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E237PreservativeModerate concern
Sodium Formate
In plain words
The short version
The sodium salt of formic acid — a niche preservative paired with E236.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
JECFA's group ADI of 0–3 mg/kg body weight covers formic acid and ethyl formate (set in 1979, maintained in 1997). Same metabolic concerns as formic acid; the salt is gentler to handle but the dietary fate is identical.
The detail
Produced by neutralizing formic acid (E236) with sodium hydroxide or carbonate. A byproduct of the formic-acid industry.
Not authorised as a food additive in the EU; the dominant use is in livestock-feed silage preservation and leather processing. Largely interchangeable with sodium acetate in formulation when present.
White hygroscopic crystalline powder. Very soluble in water.
Not included in the EU list of authorised food additives (Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008), so it is not permitted as a food additive in the EU. Not approved as a direct food preservative in the US.
Sources
- JECFA database: Formic acid (INS 236), group ADI 0–3 mg/kg bw with ethyl formate (1979, maintained 1997) — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1997. ADI 0–3 mg/kg bw (scope: formic acid and ethyl formate)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text of 18.08.2026 (Annex II Part B, list of additives other than colours and sweeteners) — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. E 236–E 238 (formic acid, formates) absent from the EU additive list
- 21 CFR 186.1756 Sodium formate (indirect food substance affirmed as GRAS) — US FDA / Office of the Federal Register (eCFR), 1980. US: only an indirect (packaging) use, not a direct food preservative
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.