CFR > Title 21 - Food and Drugs > CHAPTER I—FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES > SUBCHAPTER B—FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (parts 100 to 191) > PART 186—INDIRECT FOOD SUBSTANCES AFFIRMED AS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE > SUBPART B—Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS (§186.1093 to §186.1839) > 186.1316—Formic acid.

186.1316—Formic acid.

(a) Formic acid (CH2 O2, 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.

Code of Federal Regulations

[45 FR 22915, Apr. 4, 1980]