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Boric Acid
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary
Boric Acid is a preservative — Antiseptic with bactericidal and fungicidal properties; fungus control on citrus fruit
What it does
Antiseptic with bactericidal and fungicidal properties; fungus control on citrus fruit
Where you'll see it
Citrus fruit fungus control
What the research says
Severe poisonings have followed both ingestion and topical application to abraded skin. AMA warned of possible toxicity.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: NUL
- EU: approved
- Notes: FDA tolerance 8 ppm boron residues; still widely used despite AMA warnings
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): still widely used despite repeated warnings from the American Medical Association of possible toxicity