Boric Acid
Also known as: E284, Boracic acid, Orthoboric acid
Boric acid is highly restricted as a food additive: in the EU it is permitted only in sturgeon caviar at up to 4 g/kg under E284, and it is not approved as a food additive in the U.S. EFSA established a group ADI of 0.16 mg boron/kg bw/day, and feeding studies show adverse effects on the male reproductive system at higher doses.
What it is
Boric acid (H3BO3); inorganic acid permitted in the EU only as a preservative for sturgeon caviar.
Preservative in sturgeon caviar (single permitted use, EU).
Why it's flagged
- male reproductive toxicity at high doses
- developmental toxicity in animal studies
- very narrow permitted uses
What regulators actually say
"The Panel established a group ADI of 0.16 mg boron/kg body weight per day based on a NOAEL of 9.6 mg boron/kg bw/day from a developmental toxicity study in rats."
"Feeding studies in rats, mice and dogs have demonstrated that the male reproductive system is adversely affected by boric acid and sodium tetraborate."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved as a food additive.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E284 only in sturgeon caviar; group ADI 0.16 mg boron/kg bw/day.
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