E237 · Preservatives
Sodium formate
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
Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid, used as a preservative.
How it is used in food
Gives the preservative effect of formic acid without the corrosiveness of the free acid.
Commonly found in- Animal feed preservation
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
Not authorised as a food additive in the EU. It remains in use in 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
- E237
Worth knowing
Formate is a normal intermediate in your own metabolism — your cells make and consume it continuously.
Conclusion
An obsolete, unauthorized preservative.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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