E238 · Calcium formate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E238?
Calcium formate is the calcium salt of formic acid, used mainly as a concrete additive, animal feed supplement, and de-icing agent. Its use as a direct food additive is limited and it is not commonly found in packaged consumer foods. Ingesting large amounts of formate salts can be harmful, so exposure is regulated.
Also appears on labels as: E238, E 238, E-238, Calcium formate, Formic acid calcium salt, Calcium salt of formic acid, Calcium diformate, Ca(HCOO)2, Preservative E238, INS 238, Calcium formate additive, Calcium formate preservative.
What the evidence says
- Not a typical ingredient in consumer foods; primarily an industrial and animal-feed compound.
- Ingestion of large amounts of formate salts can be harmful, though this is not a concern at any typical exposure level.
Frequently asked questions
Is E238 safe?
Our overall verdict for E238 (Calcium formate) 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 E238 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium 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 E238 and why is it used?
Calcium formate is the calcium salt of formic acid, used mainly as a concrete additive, animal feed supplement, and de-icing agent. Its use as a direct food additive is limited and it is not commonly found in packaged consumer foods. Ingesting large amounts of formate salts can be harmful, so exposure is regulated.
Does E238 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium formate.
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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.