In addition to textiles and leather, formic acid is widely used in agriculture. It serves as a preservative for silage, improving the storage and fermentation of fodder for livestock. Formic acid helps to inhibit harmful bacteria during the fermentation process, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of the stored feed. Moreover, it is also utilized in the formulation of pesticides and herbicides, safeguarding crops from pests while being less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic alternatives.
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The safety of food additives has been a topic of scrutiny and regulation. E504 is considered safe for consumption within the established guideline limits. Various health authorities, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have evaluated its safety and approved its use. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E504 has not been set, denoting that it can be consumed within reasonable amounts without known adverse effects.