Food > Non-Registered Establishments Letter to Industry BORAX (BORIC ACID) SOLD OR REPRESENTED AS FOODPrinter friendly PDF version (Mandarin) 159 Cleopatra Drive July 14, 2004
SUBJECT: BORAX (BORIC ACID) SOLD OR REPRESENTED AS FOOD Sir / Madam, It has been brought to the attention of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that Borax is occasionally represented and sold as a food in Canada. Borax, also known as Boric Acid, has a history in some cultures of being added to foods as a firming agent, meat rub, preservative, or tenderizer. The CFIA is concerned about the use and sale of Borax as a food ingredient. Health Canada has advised that based on available data relating to its toxicity, this product could pose an unacceptable risk to a consumers health. Consumption of Borax has been documented in literature as causing the death of infants and adults. The use and sale of Borax as a food ingredient is not permitted and is considered a violation of Section 4(a) of the Food and Drugs Act. Borax should not be used in food preparation and should not be sold or represented as a food ingredient. Packages of Borax:
The CFIA will take appropriate enforcement action should Borax be found to be imported, sold or used as a food ingredient. We would appreciate your distribution of this information to the members of your association / organization. Thank-you for your cooperation. Should you require further information, please contact the CFIA office nearest you. Yours sincerely, Greg Orriss |
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