Tag: Formalin

In a 2021 study in Sudan, researchers found formaldehyde in 19.2% of raw milk samples, highlighting the illegal use of this chemical to preserve milk and extend its shelf life. The addition of this highly toxic substance is a serious food safety concern for consumers worldwide.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, formaldehyde was illegally added to foods like milk to prevent spoilage. The short answer to 'Does formaldehyde preserve food?' is yes, but it is a highly toxic and illegal practice with severe health consequences.

Trace amounts of formaldehyde can occur naturally in many foods, including milk, as a byproduct of metabolic processes. However, the presence of formaldehyde in milk becomes a major food safety concern when it is illegally added as a preservative to mask spoilage and extend shelf life, a form of dangerous food adulteration.

Studies show that small amounts of formaldehyde are naturally present in a wide range of fresh and frozen foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. This leads many to ask: does frozen food have formaldehyde, and is it a safety concern? The answer involves understanding the distinction between natural occurrence and illegal use.

A 2023 review noted that illegal formaldehyde adulteration in food is a common practice globally to extend shelf-life. Therefore, knowing how to detect formaldehyde in food is essential for consumer protection and health, as this chemical is a known toxin associated with serious health problems when consumed.