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240: Formaldehyde

Methanal; formalin

Origin:
Formaldehyde is formed naturally by smoking or heating protein-rich foods. Commercially synthesised from methanol.

Function & characteristics:
Formaldehyde is a gas used as a preservative against bacteria. It is not used in foods, but used to disinfect containers, pipes and vessels in the food industry. It is widely used in cosmetics.

Products:
None (only cosmetics).

Acceptable Daily Intake:
Up to 0.15 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
As gas it has very strong side effects (not in foods).

Dietary restrictions:
None.