A rapid and specific atomic absorption method is presented for the determination of boron as boric acid, which is usually added to foods at the 0.5% level. The sample is digested with sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and 30% hydrogen peroxide. Boron is then chelated with 2-ethyl-l,3-hexanediol and extracted into methyl isobutyl ketone. Absorption due to boron is measured in the organic layer and compared to standards similarly extracted and measured. Recovery studies with food samples indicate that the method may be applicable to a wide variety of foods.