E240 — Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde: IARC Group 1 carcinogen, but human evidence concerns inhalation (nasopharyngeal cancer, myeloid leukaemia); ECHA dossier: no carcinogenic effect after oral exposure in rats. Not an authorised food additive in the EU or Ukraine (absent from Annex II, Reg 1333/2008) — presence indicates a non-compliant product. This is a precautionary flag for unauthorised use, not proof of oral carcinogenicity.

Avoid — an established health hazard.