E284 - Boric acid

Boric acid, also called hydrogen borate, boracic acid, orthoboric acid and acidum boricum, is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron, which is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, neutron absorber, or precursor to other chemical compounds. It has the chemical formula H3BO3 -sometimes written B-OH-3-, and exists in the form of colorless crystals or a white powder that dissolves in water. When occurring as a mineral, it is called sassolite. - Wikipedia

EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of boric acid -E 284- and sodium tetraborate -borax- -E 285- as food additives. (2013-10-24)