E284 · Boric acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E284?
Boric acid is a weak acid used mainly as an antiseptic, insecticide, and industrial preservative; in the EU it is authorized only as a food additive in caviar (sturgeon roe), not for general food use. It also has established uses in eye-wash products, cosmetics, and glass/ceramics manufacturing. Boric acid is toxic in larger quantities, especially for infants and young children, and its food use is tightly restricted for this reason.
Also appears on labels as: Boric Acid, H3BO3, Orthoboric acid, Boricum acidum, Boracic acid, Acide borique, Acido bórico, Borsäure, Acido borico, Borate solution, Hydrogen borate, Boric acid powder.
What the evidence says
- Toxic in excess: overexposure can cause nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases organ damage, particularly in infants and young children.
- May affect fertility and unborn children at high exposure levels, per EU classification as a reproductive toxicant.
- Food use is restricted essentially to caviar under EU rules; not intended for general food consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Is E284 safe?
Our overall verdict for E284 (Boric acid) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E284 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Boric acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E284 and why is it used?
Boric acid is a weak acid used mainly as an antiseptic, insecticide, and industrial preservative; in the EU it is authorized only as a food additive in caviar (sturgeon roe), not for general food use. It also has established uses in eye-wash products, cosmetics, and glass/ceramics manufacturing. Boric acid is toxic in larger quantities, especially for infants and young children, and its food use is tightly restricted for this reason.
Does E284 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Boric acid.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.