E237 - Sodium Formate
Author: Karen Lennox
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: E 237 refers to preservatives, used to maintain a longer shelf life of products. The supplement prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria, has a pronounced ant
Characteristic
E 237 refers to preservatives, used to maintain a longer shelf life of products. The additive prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria, has pronounced antimicrobial properties, but only when immersed in an acidic environment, ie it is a free acid. Sodium formate is a white or gray crystalline powder without impurities. A greenish tinge is possible. The powder dissolves well in water, not very well in alcohols, and does not dissolve in ethers at all. The substance is absolutely non-flammable and explosion-proof. The forma is part of many fluids - juices of some plants, also biological fluids in a living organism.
This food supplement is banned in some countries (USA, EU, Russia, etc.).
Use
The permissible daily dose is about 3 mg per 1 kg of body weight. It is used as a preservative in the production of soft drinks, but not more than 210 mg per liter (alone or in combination with formic acid or other additives), may be combined with benzoates, but not more than 360 mg per liter. The substance has been used in fish marinades, in the production of pickled vegetables, instead of salt in various dietary products, but today it is being replaced by safer preservatives.
Sodium formate is used in medicines, also in cosmetics (not more than 0.5%), for tanning leather, for coloring various fabrics, wallpaper and more.
Impact on humans
The effect of the supplement on the body is determined by level 3 of danger. It is more dangerous as a dietary supplement, depending on how it affects the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes, as it can cause irritation to these areas in unsafe contact with them. When working with E 237, the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory - rubber gloves, safety apron, respirator.
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