Formic acid
Not authorised in EU, but permitted in AU-NZ and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Preservatives
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Formic acid is the simplest organic acid, used as a preservative and acidifier — and the substance in an ant sting.
How it is used in food
A cheap, effective acid preservative that also lowers pH enough to stop most spoilage bacteria.
Commonly found in- Silage and animal feed preservation
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
Not authorised as a food additive in the EU. Its main legal use in the food chain today is preserving silage and animal feed.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E236
Worth knowing
It is named after the ant — Latin formica — because it was first isolated by distilling crushed ants. It is also what a nettle sting delivers.
Conclusion
Banned for direct human food use.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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