Origin
E 284 is synthetically produced through a chemical process for use as a food additive. This process results in the end product boric acid as white powder. However, boric acid also occurs naturally. It can be extracted from the minerals kernite and borax. In Tuscany, boric acid can also be found in some steam water sources.
Usage
The substance E 284 is only permitted as a preservative for one single food product. Boric acid may exclusively be used to preserve sturgeon roe, the real caviar. There is a restriction on the maximum amount that can be used, which is set at 4 g/kg.
Risks
Although boric acid also occurs naturally, it cannot be broken down by the human body and thus accumulates in the body. Stored boric acid can lead to poisoning symptoms and kidney damage when present in high concentration in human tissue. Since real caviar is rather rare on the menu, it is rarely consumed. Therefore, the likelihood of possible poisonings is low. However, one should be aware that E 284 itself only acts as a preservative at high dosages when consuming real caviar.