Food Additives Encyclopedia

English

简体中文

English

简体中文

Appearance

sodium tetraborate, borax ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese namesodium tetraborate, borax
English namesodium tetraborate, borax
INS/E numberINS 285
Functional classPreservative
Year adopted1960
Approved byEuropean Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Sodium tetraborate (borax) is the sodium salt of boric acid, once used as a preservative and firming agent; due to cumulative toxicity it is now banned as a food additive in most countries.

Source ​

Industrial：由天然硼砂矿提纯或由硼酸与氢氧化钠反应制得

Why is it used? ​

  • Historically used for preservation and pest control
  • Once used to firm noodles and keep seafood fresh
  • Now largely banned, illegal addition prohibited

Common Foods ​

  • (historical) Seafood
  • (historical) Noodles/meatballs firming
  • (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 285 未批准使用)
  • FDA：未批准作为食品添加剂
  • Codex GSFA (INS 285，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 ​

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

Consumer Advice ​

Borax (sodium tetraborate) is explicitly listed as a non-food substance and is strictly prohibited in food in China. In the past some unscrupulous producers added it to zongzi, dried bean curd sticks, noodles and meatballs to improve texture, elasticity and shelf life, but borax is toxic and can damage the liver and kidneys, with children being especially sensitive. It must never appear in compliant food; if you encounter it, stop consuming the product and report it.

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.