Food-Grade vs Industrial-Grade Formic Acid: Safety and Applications Compared

Formic acid (HCOOH), one of the simplest carboxylic acids, is a highly useful chemical across many sectors such as food preservation, leather processing, agriculture, and rubber manufacturing. However, not all formic acid is the same, the difference in grade determines its safety profile, application scope, and regulatory requirements.

In Singapore’s chemical and food industries, food-grade and industrial-grade formic acid serve very different functions. This article explains the differences in composition, safety standards, and practical uses of both grades, helping businesses and professionals in Singapore choose the right one for their needs.
 

What is Formic Acid?

Formic acid occurs naturally in insect venom (like ants) but is industrially synthesized from methanol and carbon monoxide. It is a colorless, corrosive liquid with a strong odor, known for its ability to reduce microbial growth and adjust pH levels.

Key properties include:

• Molecular Formula: HCOOH

• Boiling Point: ~100.8°C

• Solubility: Completely miscible with water, alcohols, and ethers

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

Depending on its grade and purity, formic acid can be used in food processing or heavy industrial applications.
 

Understanding the Grades: Food vs Industrial

Food-Grade Formic Acid

Food-grade formic acid is produced under stringent purity standards and is suitable for use in food, beverages, and feed. It typically complies with specifications set by:

• FCC (Food Chemicals Codex)

• EU Feed Additive Regulation (1831/2003/EC)

• ISO 22000 or FAMI-QS for feed-grade manufacturing

It contains minimal impurities and is usually above 85% purity, free from heavy metals, formaldehyde, and organic contaminants.

Applications include:

• Animal feed additive: Controls microbial growth and preserves silage

• Food packaging and preservation: In niche uses like sterilization

• Agriculture: Spray disinfectant or additive for forage
   

Industrial-Grade Formic Acid

This grade is produced for general industrial use under ISO 9001 or 14001 quality systems. Purity typically ranges from 75% to 94%, and the product may contain:

• Organic impurities

• Trace solvents from synthesis

• Formaldehyde residues (within allowable industrial limits)

Industrial-grade formic acid is not suitable for ingestion and is used in:

• Leather tanning

• Rubber latex coagulation

• Textile dyeing

• Chemical synthesis and descaling agents
   

Key Safety and Regulatory Differences

• Purity and Composition
  Food-grade formic acid must meet specific chemical purity standards, including:

  • Absence of toxic solvents

  • Controlled pH range and acidity levels

  • Stability at various temperatures
    In contrast, industrial-grade formic acid has wider tolerance for impurities. Its composition varies depending on source and intended use, but may not be suitable for any process involving human or animal ingestion.

• Health & Safety Classification
  According to GHS (Globally Harmonized System):

  • Food-grade formic acid is still corrosive but has strictly controlled concentration and is often diluted for safer handling.

  • Industrial-grade is more hazardous, requiring protective equipment, fume hoods, and spill control systems in industrial settings.

• Packaging and Storage
  Food-grade formic acid is packaged in food-safe containers, such as:

  • HDPE drums

  • Lined steel tanks

  • Leak-proof, UV-protected IBCs

Labeling must include:

• Batch number

• Manufacturing origin

• Safety certifications (e.g., ISO 22000, FAMI-QS)

Industrial-grade formic acid is stored in:

• Bulk steel or plastic drums

• IBCs designed for chemical resistance

• Warehouses compliant with NEA and SCDF standards
   

Applications in Singapore

Food & Agriculture

In Singapore, food-grade formic acid is mainly used in:

• Animal feed preservation for poultry, swine, and cattle

• pH adjustment in silage to inhibit spoilage bacteria

• Disinfectants in food handling environments

Importers and manufacturers must ensure compliance with international food safety standards and traceability documentation.
 

Industrial & Technical

Industrially, formic acid is widely used in:

• Coagulation of rubber latex, especially in Malaysia-Singapore trade

• Leather tanning and dyeing, where it adjusts pH and fixes colors

• Descaling and limescale removal, especially in heat exchangers

• Textile dyeing, as a pH modifier during reactive dye application

Singapore’s port and manufacturing infrastructure make it ideal for distributing technical-grade formic acid throughout Southeast Asia.
 

Import and Sourcing Considerations

Singapore imports formic acid from:

• Germany (BASF): high-purity pharma and food-grade

• Sweden (Perstorp): animal feed-grade, ISO 22000-compliant

• India (GNFC): large-scale industrial and feed-grade supply

• China: cost-effective industrial supply with ISO/QS documentation

Local chemical distributors like Tradeasia International offer:

• Food/feed-grade certification

• Storage and logistics handling

• Import documentation and labeling compliance
   

Pricing Overview

In 2025, Singapore’s average pricing trends are:

• Food-grade formic acid (85–94%):
  SGD 950 - 1200 per metric ton, depending on documentation and origin

• Industrial-grade formic acid (75–85%):
  SGD 700 - 850 per metric ton, available in larger bulk shipments

Price is influenced by:

• Grade purity

• Certification and compliance

• Container type and transport cost
   

Choosing the Right Grade for Your Business

Use food-grade formic acid if:

• Your product enters the food chain (e.g., livestock feed)

• You export to markets requiring FAMI-QS, ISO 22000, or FCC compliance

• Your process involves contact with food or pharmaceuticals

Use industrial-grade formic acid if:

• Your application is chemical or manufacturing-based

• High-purity is not essential, but cost-efficiency is

• You are operating in leather, rubber, textile, or cleaning sectors

Never substitute industrial-grade formic acid for food applications. Doing so can pose health hazards and lead to regulatory violations.
 

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between food-grade and industrial-grade formic acid is essential for making safe, cost-effective, and regulation-compliant decisions in Singapore’s business landscape. While both types offer powerful functionality, their applications, safety standards, and sourcing requirements differ significantly.

By working with verified suppliers, maintaining proper documentation, and selecting the right grade for your end use, your business can maintain operational efficiency without compromising on safety or quality. If you are interested in our products for your specific business needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.