E236 · Formic acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E236?
Formic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in ant venom, stinging nettles, and some fruits. In food, it's used in small amounts as a preservative and acidity regulator, mainly in some silage (animal feed) and a limited number of processed food applications, where it helps inhibit bacterial and mold growth. It's also produced industrially for use in leather tanning, textiles, and chemical manufacturing, which are unrelated to food. At the concentrations used in approved food applications it is considered safe by regulators, though the concentrated acid itself is corrosive and irritating if handled directly.
Also appears on labels as: Formic acid, E236, E 236, E-236, INS 236, Methanoic acid, Ameisensäure, Acidum formicum, Formylic acid, Hydrogen carboxylic acid, HCOOH, Preservative E236.
What the evidence says
- Corrosive and irritating to skin, eyes, and airways in its concentrated industrial form; food-use concentrations are far more dilute and regulated.
- Not commonly used as a direct food additive in most retail products; more prevalent in feed and industrial applications.
Frequently asked questions
Is E236 safe?
Our overall verdict for E236 (Formic acid) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E236 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Formic acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E236 and why is it used?
Formic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in ant venom, stinging nettles, and some fruits. In food, it's used in small amounts as a preservative and acidity regulator, mainly in some silage (animal feed) and a limited number of processed food applications, where it helps inhibit bacterial and mold growth. It's also produced industrially for use in leather tanning, textiles, and chemical manufacturing, which are unrelated to food. At the concentrations used in approved food applications it is considered safe by regulators, though the concentrated acid itself is corrosive and irritating if handled directly.
Does E236 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Formic acid.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.