21 CFR § 186.1316 - Formic acid.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s186.1316"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 186.1316 - Formic acid."
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "186.1316"
section_name: "Formic acid."
chapter_name: "FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION"
part_number: "186"
part_name: "INDIRECT FOOD SUBSTANCES AFFIRMED AS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 321, 342, 348, 371."
regulatory_source: "42 FR 14658, Mar. 15, 1977, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "186"
---


# 186.1316 Formic acid.

(a) Formic acid (CH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, 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.

[45 FR 22915, Apr. 4, 1980]