Food Additive · EU 285
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax)
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. The European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
E-number regulatory snapshot
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax): no OFF product match; EU code 285 is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 285 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Food Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not in our EFSA data | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax): what it is
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) is a food additive (285) classified as food additive.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of boric acid -E 284- and sodium tetraborate -borax- -E 285- as food additives.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
How Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) compares to its catalog-profile peers nationwide
Product-count (0) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) safe to consume?
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 285 is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) used for in food?
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) (285) is catalogued for Various processed foods; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Sodium Tetraborate (Borax)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sodium Tetraborate (Borax): EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of boric acid -E 284- and sodium tetraborate -borax- -E 285- as food additives.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.