Sodium Formiate
Also known as: E237, Sodium formate
Sodium formate (E237) is no longer authorised as a food additive in the EU under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 and is not listed as a permitted food additive by FDA. Formic acid/formate at elevated doses is a metabolic toxin (formate is responsible for metabolic acidosis and optic neuropathy in methanol poisoning).
What it is
Sodium formate (sodium salt of formic acid, HCOONa); a white crystalline powder.
Historically used as a preservative; the EU delisted E237 as a food additive in 1990s reform. Still used in industrial applications and as an animal feed additive.
Why it's flagged
- not authorised as food additive
- metabolic toxicity at elevated doses
What regulators actually say
"Only food additives included in the Community list in Annex II may be placed on the market as such and used in foods."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not listed as a permitted food additive; permitted in some food-contact uses under 21 CFR 175/177
European Union — EFSA
Not authorised as a food additive under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008
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