Section 186.1771 - Sodium palmitate(a) Sodium palmitate (C16H31O2Na, CAS Reg. No. 408-35-5) is the sodium salt of palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid). It exists as a white to yellow powder. Commercially, sodium palmitate is made by mixing and heating flaked sodium hydroxide and palmitic acid.(b) In accordance with § 186.1(b)(1) , the ingredient is used as a constituent of paper and paperboard for food packaging with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.(c) Prior sanctions for this ingredient different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.51 FR 39372, Oct. 28, 1986