E285

An acidity regulator. Borax has many industrial uses including as an added ingredient in washing powder, water softeners and soaps. Borax is also mixed with clay and other substances to produce porcelain enamels used in pottery, and other ceramics. It is also used in the glass industry, the textile industry, in tanning leather, and in the manufacture of paper.

Borax, given the E number E285, is used as a food additive in some countries, but is banned in the US. As a consequence, certain foods, such as caviar, produced for sale in the US contain higher levels of salt to assist preservation.] Its use as a cooking ingredient is to add a firm rubbery texture to the food, or as a preservative. In oriental cooking it is mostly used for its texturing properties.

Possible risk that this may cause reproductive disorders, based on tests with laboratory animals. Eye and skin irritant. Harmful by ingestion. May be harmful by inhalation.