Sodium Fluoride
Sodium fluoride at recommended water-fluoridation levels (0.7 mg/L) is recognized by the CDC as effective and safe for caries prevention. Excess fluoride causes dental fluorosis and, at chronic high intake, skeletal fluorosis; the EPA enforces a maximum contaminant level of 4.0 mg/L in drinking water.
What it is
Inorganic fluoride salt (CAS 7681-49-4); the principal additive used in community water fluoridation and dental products.
Not a food ingredient. Used in fluoridated water and dental care to prevent caries.
Why it's flagged
- dental and skeletal fluorosis at chronic excess
- acute toxicity at concentrated doses
What regulators actually say
"Sodium fluoride may not be used in human food except as provided in a regulation in 21 CFR 170 through 189."
"The U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L for community water systems to prevent dental caries."
"EPA's enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L to prevent skeletal fluorosis."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved as a direct food additive (21 CFR 189.1100 prohibits sodium fluoride in food other than as authorized).
European Union — EFSA
Sodium fluoride permitted in food supplements as fluoride source under Regulation 1925/2006 / 2002/46/EC; not a food additive.
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