 In addition to its use as a preservative, borax imparts a firm, rubbery texture to food.In China, borax ( or ) has been found in foods including wheat and rice noodles named; "lamian", "shahe fen", "kway teow", and "chee cheong fun".In Indonesia, it is a common, but forbidden, additive to such foods as noodles, bakso (meatballs), and steamed rice.