What is E285?
E285 is Sodium tetraborate (borax), a food additive used as a preservative. Mineral. Only allowed in sturgeon caviar.
Also written as: INS 285, E-285, E 285. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E285 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E285 (Sodium tetraborate (borax)) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Mineral. Only allowed in sturgeon caviar.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E285 halal?
E285 (Sodium tetraborate (borax)) is halal. Mineral. Only allowed in sturgeon caviar.
What is E285 made from?
Mineral salt.
What is E285 used for?
E285 is used as a preservative, typically in soft drinks, bread, cured meats, dried fruit and sauces.
What should I do if a product contains E285?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E285 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E285 (Sodium tetraborate (borax)) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.