E901 Beeswax – Food Additive
E901 is an approved food additive (beeswax) used as a glazing agent and release agent in a variety of food products.
Things worth knowing about "E901"
E901 is an approved food additive (beeswax) used as a glazing agent and release agent in a variety of food products.
What is E901?
E901 refers to beeswax as an approved food additive in the European Union. It is distinguished into white beeswax (bleached) and yellow beeswax (unprocessed). Beeswax is produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and is harvested from honeycombs. As a natural substance, it has a wide range of applications in the food industry, cosmetics, and medicine.
Origin and Production
Beeswax is secreted by the wax glands of worker bees and used to construct honeycomb cells. To produce E901, the wax combs are melted down after honey harvesting, then filtered and purified. Natural yellow beeswax gets its colour from plant pigments such as carotenoids. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or sunlight produces white beeswax.
Use in Food
In the food industry, E901 is primarily used as a glazing agent and release agent. Typical applications include:
- Coating of confectionery, sweets, and chocolate products (e.g., dragees)
- Surface treatment of fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent moisture loss
- Release agent in the production of baked goods and sweets
- Coating of cheese rinds to extend shelf life
- Chewing gum base and chewing gum coatings
E901 gives food products a glossy appearance and protects them from moisture loss and physical damage.
Chemical Properties
Beeswax is a complex mixture of various organic compounds, including esters, fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. It is solid at room temperature, has a melting point between 62 and 65 °C, and is insoluble in water. These properties make it an excellent protective and coating material.
Safety and Tolerability
E901 is considered safe for human consumption according to current scientific assessments. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified beeswax as non-toxic. It is not digested by the human body and is excreted unchanged. No ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established, as no toxicological concerns have been identified.
Individuals with a bee venom allergy should be aware that an allergy to beeswax is theoretically possible but very rare in practice. If in doubt, medical clarification is recommended.
Labelling and Regulation
In the EU, E901 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Foods containing E901 must declare this additive in the ingredient list as E901 or beeswax. For fruit and vegetables treated with beeswax, the indication waxed is required on the label or price tag.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of beeswax (E 901) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2012.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL): Food additives – glazing agents.
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