Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical. It occurs naturally in the environment and is produced in small amounts by most living organisms as part of normal metabolic processes. Several government agencies have classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), formaldehyde (INS No. 240) is used as a food preservative. For example, formaldehyde is used as a preservative during sampling of the following food products:
- Milk (toned, separated, skimmed)
- Standardized milk chhana
- Skimmed milk chhana
- Cream
- Ice-candy
- Dahi
- Khoa
- Khoa-based or paneer-based sweets such as Kalakand and Burfi
- Chutney
- Gur
- Prepared coffee and tea in liquid and semi-liquid form
It is used as a preservative for milk and milk products as an aqueous solution of 40% formaldehyde (called formalin) at a concentration of 0.1 ml (2 drops) in 25 ml milk or 25g milk product. Addition of formaldehyde also increases the shelf-life of the various food products.
As per Codex Alimentarius, hexamethylene tetramine (INS No. 239) is used as a preservative in Provolone Cheese, which is a ripened firm/semi-hard cheese in conformity with the General Standard for Cheese (CODEX STAN 283-1978). The maximum level of the preservative that is recommended by CODEX is 25 mg/kg, expressed as formaldehyde.
As per USFDA, formaldehyde can be used in the manufacture of animal feeds. It should be noted that the USFDA does not recommend the use of formaldehyde in human food products.
FSSAI has recommended that formaldehyde be used in the colorimetric estimation of sulfur dioxide (a food preservative) in dry fruits.
We have a NABL accredited / FSSAI notified state-of-the-art laboratory for testing formaldehyde in various types of foodstuffs. Our dedicated team of highly qualified scientists are well acquainted with the latest techniques and instrumentation that are at par with global standards, for testing of food samples containing formaldehyde.
Please contact us today using the quick query form on the right or by calling us now on +91-11-45754575 to get your food samples tested for formaldehyde.
