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Federal regulations · Through 2026-08-25 · Newer source version available

21 CFR 186.1316: Formic acid.

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. Title 21—Food and Drugs
  2. CHAPTER I—FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  3. SUBCHAPTER B—FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
  4. PART 186—INDIRECT FOOD SUBSTANCES AFFIRMED AS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE
  5. Subpart B—Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS

(a) Formic acid (CH2O2, CAS Reg. No. 64-18-6) is also referred to as methanoic acid or hydrogen carboxylic acid. It occurs naturally in some insects and is contained in the free acid state in a number of plants. Formic acid is prepared by the reaction of sodium formate with sulfuric acid and is isolated by distillation.

(b) Formic acid is used as a constituent of paper and paperboard used for food packaging.

(c) The ingredient is used at levels not to exceed good manufacturing practice in accordance with § 186.1(b)(1).

(d) Prior sanctions for formic acid different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.

Collected 2026-08-27T02:24:47Z. Source file · JSON

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