Formic acid
Function: Preservatives
E236 is the European food-additive number for Formic acid, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Formic acid (E236) is a food additive used as a food additive.
What is E236 used for?
Formic acid (E236) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition. See all Preservatives (E-numbers).
Is E236 safe or restricted?
E236 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as “No known concern” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned, or the guide to how EU additives are approved, re-evaluated and banned.
Is E236 vegan or vegetarian?
Formic acid (E236) is typically produced from plant, mineral, or synthetic sources, so it is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The production source can vary between manufacturers — the Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product. Always read the label for allergens.
Which foods contain E236?
E236 appears in 34 of the 4.7 million products in Forkin's catalogue — most often in Sausages, Pork (General), and Gummy Candy.
- Sausages8
- Pork (General)3
- Gummy Candy2
- French Fries / Chips (Frozen)1
- Cat Treats1
- Semi-Soft Cheese1
- Bacon1
- Kiwi1
Often appears alongside
Additives most frequently found in the same ingredient lists as E236 across the catalogue.
Counts reflect Forkin's independently enriched product catalogue and update as new products are added — they are not a market-share statistic.
Frequently asked questions about E236
- What is E236?
- E236 is the E-number for Formic acid, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Formic acid (E236) is a food additive used as a food additive.
- What is E236 used for?
- Formic acid (E236) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Which foods contain E236?
- E236 appears in 34 of the 4.7 million products in Forkin's catalogue — most often in Sausages, Pork (General), and Gummy Candy. Scan any barcode with the Forkin app to see instantly whether a specific product contains it.
- Is E236 vegan or vegetarian?
- Formic acid (E236) is typically produced from plant, mineral, or synthetic sources, so it is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product, since the source can vary between manufacturers.
- Is E236 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E236 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as ‘No known concern’ and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E236 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan and vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it. See view pricing.