Food Additives Encyclopedia

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formaldehyde ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese nameformaldehyde
English nameformaldehyde
INS/E numberINS 240
Functional classPreservative
Year adopted1958
Approved byTo be added.

What is it? ​

Formaldehyde is a simple aldehyde once used as a preservative and fumigant in some foods (e.g. fish, milk); due to toxicity and carcinogenicity concerns most countries have banned or strictly limited it.

Source ​

Industrial：甲醇经催化氧化制得甲醛溶液（福尔马林）

Why is it used? ​

  • Historically used to inhibit microbes and extend freshness
  • Used as a fumigant/disinfectant
  • Released in the body from substances like hexamine
  • Now mainly for non-food uses

Common Foods ​

  • (historical) Fish products
  • (historical) Dairy products
  • (now largely banned)

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：not limited (内源性代谢物)

Concerns：

  • 已知毒性与潜在致癌性（IARC 关注）
  • 多数国家已禁止作为食品添加剂
  • 仅限极特殊非直接用途

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》（未列入允许使用名单）

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 (E 240，已不再批准使用)
  • FDA：未批准作为直接食品添加剂
  • Codex GSFA (INS 240，使用受严格限制)
  • Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (general prohibited)
  • JECFA：作为内源性物质未分配数值 ADI

In a nutshell ​

Formaldehyde is largely banned as a direct food additive due to toxicity and carcinogenicity, occurring only endogenously.

Consumer Advice ​

Formaldehyde is an irritating industrial chemical classified by the IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen. It has been illegally used to preserve and whiten seafood and flour-based products, but no country authorises it as a food additive, and it is not in China's GB 2760. Finding formaldehyde in food is a serious violation: stop consuming the product immediately and report it. Compliant foods contain only negligible background levels and pose no health risk.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer ​

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.