E285 - Tétraborate de sodium

Origin

Sodium tetraborate, commonly known as borax, is a naturally occurring mineral salt of boric acid. It is typically found in evaporite deposits produced by the repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes. Major sources include Searles Lake in California and other arid regions. Borax has been used for thousands of years, with historical applications in cleaning, metallurgy, and as a flux in soldering.

Usage

In the food industry, the use of borax (E285) is extremely limited and, in many countries, prohibited. Historically, it was used as a preservative, particularly in caviar, to prevent spoilage and maintain texture. However, due to safety concerns, its use as a food additive has been largely discontinued. Borax has also been used in some traditional food preservation methods in certain regions, but this practice is increasingly discouraged due to potential health risks. Its primary industrial applications are in detergents, cosmetics, enamel glazes, and as a flame retardant.

Side Effects

The main concern with borax is its potential toxicity. Boron, a component of borax, can interfere with reproductive and developmental processes. High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure can lead to more severe effects, including kidney damage, anemia, and convulsions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for boron from all sources, including food and water. Due to these potential health risks, the use of borax as a food additive is heavily regulated or banned in many countries.

Regulatory Status

The use of borax (E285) as a food additive is either banned or severely restricted in many countries, including the European Union, the United States, and Canada. The European Union prohibits its use as a food additive. The United States FDA does not permit its use as a direct food additive. Other countries have similar regulations in place to protect public health. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated borax and established a temporary Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) that has since been withdrawn due to safety concerns.