E237 · Sodium formate
- WHO
- Better avoided
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Better avoided
- FSANZ
- Better avoided
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Better avoided
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E237?
Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid, primarily used industrially — for example in leather production, de-icing, and drilling fluids. As a food additive it is authorized in the EU with very limited approved uses and is not commonly found in typical packaged foods. At high concentrations it can be irritating to eyes and skin.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium formate, INS 237, E237, E 237, E-237, HCOONa, Formic acid sodium salt, Sodium methanoate, Sodium carboxylate, Sodium formates, Natrio formiatas, Nātrija formiāts.
What the evidence says
- Limited food-use approval; not a common ingredient in everyday packaged foods.
- Can cause irritation to eyes and skin at high concentrations in industrial handling, though this is not a concern at typical dietary exposure.
Research behind the verdict
- Sodium Formate (E237) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2015). Salt of formic acid; rarely used; limited data; considered safe at low exposure but largely replaced by other preservatives.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E237 safe?
Our overall verdict for E237 (Sodium formate) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: better avoided; EFSA: better avoided; FSANZ: better avoided; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: better avoided; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E237 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium formate — 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 E237 and why is it used?
Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid, primarily used industrially — for example in leather production, de-icing, and drilling fluids. As a food additive it is authorized in the EU with very limited approved uses and is not commonly found in typical packaged foods. At high concentrations it can be irritating to eyes and skin.
Does E237 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium formate.
Watch E237
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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.