Sodium fluoride

Sodium fluoride is a salt of sodium and fluorine. It occurs naturally in some water sources and minerals. Industrially, it can be produced by reacting hydrofluoric acid with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.

Sodium fluoride is primarily used as a source of fluoride in certain food products, particularly meal replacements and dietary supplements, to contribute to dental health. It is sometimes added to water supplies for the same purpose, though this is not a food manufacturing process. Its use in packaged foods is relatively uncommon.

Sodium fluoride is not an authorised food additive in the UK or EU. It is not listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. Fluoride is known for its role in preventing tooth decay, and is added to toothpaste and some water supplies for this purpose. However, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated fluoride, and EFSA and the Scientific Committee on Nutrition (SACN) provide advice on fluoride intake, but no specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is set for sodium fluoride as a food additive.