Formaldehyde
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a simple organic compound. It is a colourless gas with a pungent odour, naturally produced in small amounts by most living organisms. Industrially, it is produced by the catalytic oxidation of methanol.
Is Formaldehyde a major allergen?
Formaldehyde is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Formaldehyde used for?
Formaldehyde is not authorised for use as a food additive in the UK or EU.
Is Formaldehyde safe?
Formaldehyde is not an authorised food additive in the UK.
Why it's used
Formaldehyde is not authorised for use as a food additive in the UK or EU. It is sometimes found as a naturally occurring substance in certain foods, particularly those that have undergone smoking or other preservation processes. It is not intentionally added to foods for its functional properties.
Health notes
Formaldehyde is not an authorised food additive in the UK. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that it can cause cancer in humans. However, exposure levels from food are generally considered to be very low. EFSA has evaluated formaldehyde and concluded that it is not possible to establish a numerical ADI. The presence of formaldehyde in food is primarily due to natural processes or contamination rather than intentional addition.
Allergen info
Formaldehyde is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Formaldehyde
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