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. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and 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 established | 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.
What is Sodium Tetraborate (Borax)?
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
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Sodium Tetraborate (Borax)
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.