preservative INS 285

Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) E285

antimicrobial — Primarily mineral.

🇪🇺 EU: Banned

🇺🇸 USA: Banned

🇯🇵 Japan: Banned

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Banned

🇨🇦 Canada: Banned

Scientific Name

Sodium tetraborate decahydrate

CAS: 1303-96-4

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) occurs naturally in Dried lake beds and Mineral deposits. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

banned Max: 0 mg/kg

Not authorized for use in foods

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

banned Not approved for food use

Not approved for use in food

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

banned

Not permitted in food

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not evaluated for food use

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not safe for food use

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

A naturally occurring mineral salt with antimicrobial properties. Historically used as a food preservative but now banned in most countries due to toxicity concerns.

Dried lake bedsMineral depositsEvaporite deposits

Manufacturing

Method: mining and purification

Mined from natural deposits and purified, or synthesized from boric acid and sodium carbonate.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Restricted or banned in many regions

Medical

Historically used but now restricted

Industrial

Cleaning agent, flux for soldering, fire retardant

Household

Laundry booster, cleaning agent, slime-making (craft use)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) (E285)?

Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) (E285) is a preservative used in food products. It is antimicrobial and mineral. A naturally occurring mineral salt with antimicrobial properties. Historically used as a food preservative but now banned in most countries due to toxicity concerns.

Is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) banned in any country?

Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is banned in EU, USA, Japan, Canada, Australia/NZ. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.

Where is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) found naturally?

Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is naturally found in Dried lake beds, Mineral deposits, Evaporite deposits. A naturally occurring mineral salt with antimicrobial properties. Historically used as a food preservative but now banned in most countries due to toxicity concerns.

What is the ADI for Sodium Tetraborate (Borax)?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is Not evaluated for food use as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

Is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) the same as Borax?

Yes, Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is also known as Borax, Sodium borate, Disodium tetraborate. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence