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E238PreservativeModerate concern
Calcium Formate
In plain words
The short version
The calcium salt of formic acid — not authorised as a food additive in the EU; used as a preservative and acidifier in animal feed.
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
ADI of 0–3 mg/kg body weight (combined formates, as formic acid). Hydrolyzes in the gut to formate and calcium — both metabolized normally. Same metabolic concerns as formic acid; calcium is the only added consideration.
The detail
Produced by reacting formic acid with calcium carbonate or hydroxide. A byproduct of pentaerythritol manufacture is the dominant industrial source.
The majority of production goes to livestock feed (silage and piglet diet acidifier). Calcium formate is not authorised as a food additive in the EU, where it is authorised as a preservative in feed for all animal species. Functions as a mild preservative and calcium source where formate residue is acceptable.
White crystalline powder. Soluble in water. Hygroscopic.
Not authorised as a food additive in the EU; authorised there as a feed preservative. In the US, permitted as a feed acidifying agent in complete swine and poultry feeds. Not approved as a direct food preservative in most other jurisdictions.
Sources
- EFSA FEEDAP — Safety and efficacy of calcium formate when used as a technological additive for all animal species (2014) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), FEEDAP Panel, 2014. Not authorised as a food additive in the EU; authorised as a feed preservative; feed use safe for consumers
- WHO JECFA database — Formic acid (INS 236) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1997. ADI 0–3 mg/kg bw (group ADI for formic acid and ethyl formate)
- 21 CFR 573.230 — Calcium formate (food additive permitted in animal feed) — U.S. FDA / eCFR, 2023. US: permitted as a feed acidifying agent in swine and poultry feeds (not as a human food preservative)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.