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E902 Candelilla Wax – Food Additive Explained

E902 is the EU food additive candelilla wax, a natural plant-based wax derived from the candelilla shrub. It is used as a glazing agent and release agent in various foods.

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Things worth knowing about "E902"

E902 is the EU food additive candelilla wax, a natural plant-based wax derived from the candelilla shrub. It is used as a glazing agent and release agent in various foods.

What is E902 (Candelilla Wax)?

E902 refers to candelilla wax, a natural plant-based wax extracted from the stems and branches of the candelilla plant (Euphorbia antisyphilitica and related species). This shrub grows primarily in the arid regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The wax forms a natural protective coating on the plant surface, helping to prevent water loss in dry environments.

In the food industry, candelilla wax is approved as a food additive under the EU designation E902. It is widely regarded as a vegan alternative to beeswax (E901).

Production and Extraction

The wax is obtained by boiling the plant stems in hot, slightly acidified water. The wax that floats to the surface is skimmed off, purified, and dried. The result is a hard, brittle, yellowish to brown wax with a high melting point of approximately 68 to 73 degrees Celsius.

Use in Food Products

E902 is used in a variety of food products, primarily as:

Glazing agent: It provides a shiny, protective coating on confectionery, chewing gum, chocolate, and fresh produce.
Release agent: It prevents food products from sticking together.
Protective coating: It extends shelf life and improves the visual appearance of products.

Typical food products containing E902 include:

Chewing gum and gum base
Hard candies and sugar-coated confectionery (dragees)
Chocolate coatings and pralines
Fresh fruit and vegetables (as a surface treatment)
Dietary supplements in tablet form

Safety and Regulatory Status

Candelilla wax is recognized as a safe food additive by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is classified as non-toxic and is barely absorbed by the human body, as it largely passes through the digestive tract undigested.

The EFSA has not established a specific ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) for candelilla wax, as it is considered safe for consumption at the levels used in food. In the EU, E902 is permitted in specific food categories with defined maximum levels, regulated under EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.

Tolerability and Allergies

E902 is generally considered well tolerated. Allergic reactions to candelilla wax are extremely rare and barely documented in medical literature. As a plant-derived product, it is suitable as a vegan and vegetarian alternative to beeswax (E901). Individuals with known wax sensitivities should exercise caution.

E902 in Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

Beyond its use in food, candelilla wax is also widely used in the cosmetics industry (e.g., in lip care products, mascara, and body lotions) and in the pharmaceutical industry (as a tablet coating and capsule ingredient). In these applications, it serves as a film-forming agent and protective coating.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of candelilla wax (E 902) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2012.
EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): Candelilla wax monograph. WHO Food Additives Series.

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