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E912 Montan Acid Esters – Food Additive Explained

E912 (montan acid esters) is an approved food additive used as a glazing and surface-coating agent, primarily applied to fresh fruits to extend shelf life and enhance appearance.

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Things worth knowing about "E912"

E912 (montan acid esters) is an approved food additive used as a glazing and surface-coating agent, primarily applied to fresh fruits to extend shelf life and enhance appearance.

What is E912?

E912, known as montan acid esters or montan ester wax, is a synthetic food additive belonging to the category of glazing agents and surface-coating substances. It is produced by esterifying montanic acids -- long-chain saturated fatty acids derived from montan wax (a naturally occurring fossil wax extracted from lignite, also called brown coal) -- with polyhydric alcohols. In the food industry, E912 is applied as a thin, protective coating on the surface of certain fresh fruits.

Origin and Production

Montan acid esters are derived from montan wax, a natural fossil wax obtained during the processing of lignite (brown coal). Through a chemical esterification process, the resulting ester wax is refined and approved for use as the food additive E912. Although the raw material is of natural origin, E912 is classified as a synthetic additive due to the chemical transformation involved in its manufacture.

Use in Food

E912 is primarily used for the surface treatment of fresh fruits to achieve the following purposes:

Enhancing or restoring the natural shine and appearance of fruit peel,
Reducing moisture loss after harvest,
Extending the shelf life and freshness of fruits during storage and transport,
Protecting fruit surfaces from minor mechanical damage.

Common fruits that may be treated with E912 include citrus fruits, apples, and other produce intended to appear glossy and fresh at the point of sale. E912 belongs to the functional class of glazing agents in food additive legislation.

Approval and Regulation

Within the European Union, E912 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the safety of montan acid esters as a food additive. E912 is permitted exclusively for use on the surface of certain fresh fruits and is not approved for use in other food categories. Foods treated with E912 must be labelled accordingly under EU food labelling regulations, typically with the indication waxed on the packaging or at the point of sale.

Safety and Health Assessment

When used as intended, E912 is considered safe for consumers. The amount of E912 ingested through the consumption of treated fruits is generally very low, as the wax coating remains on the outer peel. Key safety considerations include:

Allergies and intolerances: No specific allergic reactions to E912 have been well documented; however, individuals with known sensitivities to waxes or wax esters should exercise caution.
Bioavailability: Montan acid esters are poorly absorbed in the human gastrointestinal tract and are largely excreted unchanged.
Consumer advice: Consumers who wish to eat the peel of waxed fruits are advised to wash the fruit thoroughly under running water or to peel it before consumption.

Labelling Requirements

Under EU law, the presence of E912 must be declared on the product label or at the point of sale. It may appear as the E-number E912 or under the name montan acid esters. For treated fresh fruits, the indication waxed is mandatory on labelling.

References

European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS): Re-evaluation of oxidized polyethylene wax (E 914) and montan acid esters (E 912) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2017.
Baines, D. & Seal, R. (eds.): Natural Food Additives, Ingredients and Flavourings. Woodhead Publishing, 2012.

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