The Republic of Uganda MINISTRY OF HEALTH

FORMALDEHYDE IN – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Background

There has been a big public concern over the use of in the preservation of food. This statement is to enlighten the public about proper use formaldehyde and the effects of inappropriate use of this chemical.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. It is commonly used as a preservative because of its anti – bacterial properties. It is also used in the production of different consumer goods for example in the construction industry it is used for the manufacture of wood products, in health care products it is used to manufacture vaccines, hard gel capsules and in the automobiles industry among others. Little or no formaldehyde remains in the final product that consumers use. Commonly though formaldehyde is used as a preservative at a percentage of 5 to 37 percent. Formalin, which is a solution of about 37% formaldehyde is used to preserve dead bodies.

Safety of formaldehyde

Formaldehyde does not accumulate in people because it is quickly broken down by the body’s natural metabolic processes. In the environment, formaldehyde is quickly broken down in the air by moisture and sunlight, or by in soil or water. Hence formaldehyde in its self when appropriately handled does not pose a risk to the public. However this substance is known to be carcinogenic as it can precipitate and hence it should be used appropriately.

Following the recent public concern over the use of formaldehyde in , the public should be keen to avoid the ingestion of food which is suspected to be contaminated with formaldehyde. How to identify food contaminated with formaldehyde

1. Fish contaminated with formaldehyde is stiff, has rubbery flesh, hard scales, red gills, and clear eyes, does not have a “fishy smell” and has no flies flying around it. Press the fish, if it feels tender, it should be free of formalin. Choose fish which still has its fishy smell. 2. which is contaminated with formaldehyde is stiff and odourless. Avoid buying such meat.

How the public can protect themselves

1. Formaldehyde is water soluble and as a good risk reduction measure wash all food thoroughly under running water to wash off the contaminant. Food can be soaked in water and this water discarded to further wash off this contaminant. 2. Food should be cooked thoroughly before consumption as a precautionary measure because temperatures of 75 ◦ C or above aid removal of formaldehyde. 3. Buy meat and fish products which are fresh and have the characteristic meaty or fishy smell.

For more information, please contact the Ag. Director General Health Services on [email protected], the Public relations officer on [email protected] or call our toll free line on 0800100066