Food Additives Encyclopedia

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boric acid ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese nameboric acid
English nameboric acid
INS/E numberINS 284
Functional classPreservative
Year adopted1960
Approved byEuropean Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Boric acid is a weak inorganic acid once widely used as a preservative and freshness agent; due to cumulative toxicity it is now banned as a food additive in most countries.

Source ​

Industrial：由硼砂或硼酸盐与无机酸反应制得硼酸

Why is it used? ​

  • Historically used for preservation and pest control
  • Once used to keep fish and meat fresh
  • Now largely banned, limited to special industrial use

Common Foods ​

  • (historical) Seafood
  • (historical) Meat products
  • (now largely banned)

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0-0.1 mg/kg bw (临时, 多国已禁用)

Concerns：

  • 体内蓄积慢性中毒
  • 生殖与发育毒性
  • 多数国家已禁止作为食品添加剂

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》（未列入允许名单，严禁添加）

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 (E 284 未批准使用)
  • FDA：未批准作为食品添加剂
  • Codex GSFA (INS 284，使用受严格限制/不批准)
  • Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (prohibited)
  • JECFA：曾给临时 ADI，多国禁用

In a nutshell ​

Boric acid is banned as a food additive in most countries due to cumulative toxicity and must not be illegally added.

Consumer Advice ​

Boric acid was once used as a food preservative, for example in traditional caviar, but because it accumulates in the body and may harm the kidneys, it has long been banned from food in the EU and most countries, and is strictly prohibited in China. It should never appear in compliant food. If you suspect a product illegally contains boric acid, stop eating it and report it to the authorities.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer ​

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.