Boric Acid E284
antimicrobial — Primarily synthetic.
Orthoboric acid
CAS: 10043-35-3
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.
What Is Boric Acid?
Boric acid is an inorganic compound with weak antimicrobial properties that has been used historically as a food preservative, primarily in caviar and roe. Due to evidence of kidney toxicity and reproductive effects in animal studies, the EU restricts E284 use to caviar only, with a maximum level of 4 g/kg (as boric acid). EFSA's 2013 evaluation identified concerns about developmental toxicity and proposed a Tolerable Daily Intake of 0.16 mg/kg body weight. Its use is heavily restricted or banned in most food applications worldwide.
? Did You Know?
Boric Acid occurs naturally in Volcanic regions and Hot springs. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Boric Acid 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.
Regulatory Analysis
The global near-prohibition of boric acid in food reflects a rare regulatory consensus driven by reproductive and developmental toxicity data. The EU's 2013 EFSA re-evaluation established a Tolerable Daily Intake of 0.16 mg/kg body weight for boron compounds (covering both E284 and E285), while simultaneously restricting food use to caviar at up to 4 g/kg. Japan is the notable outlier, maintaining limited caviar authorization under strict conditions. The EU, USA, Australia, and Canada each arrived at prohibition or near-prohibition through different legal frameworks — the EU through positive list regulation, the FDA through lack of approval, and Australia through the food standards code — yet the practical outcome is the same. This convergence despite divergent regulatory systems illustrates that the evidence base, rather than regulatory philosophy alone, can determine outcomes.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Not authorized for use in foods
United States (FDA)
Not approved for use in food
Japan (MHLW)
Only permitted in caviar at very low levels
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
A weak acid with antimicrobial properties. Historically used as a preservative but now banned or restricted in most countries due to toxicity concerns.
Manufacturing
Produced by reacting borax (sodium borate) with a mineral acid such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.
Applications Beyond Food
Historically used but now restricted in many regions
Eyewash solutions (low concentrations)
Insecticide, flame retardant, antiseptic
Pest control, cleaning agent