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Shellac (E904): Uses, Safety and Origin

Shellac (E904) is a natural resin secreted by lac insects. It is widely used in the food industry as a glazing agent for fruit, confectionery, and in pharmaceuticals as a tablet coating.

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Things worth knowing about "Shellac"

Shellac (E904) is a natural resin secreted by lac insects. It is widely used in the food industry as a glazing agent for fruit, confectionery, and in pharmaceuticals as a tablet coating.

What is Shellac?

Shellac (food additive E904) is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect (Kerria lacca). These insects live primarily on trees in South and Southeast Asia, especially in India and Thailand. Shellac is one of the oldest known natural resins and has been used for centuries across various industries.

Production and Composition

Lac insects secrete shellac as a protective shell around themselves. This raw shellac is harvested from tree branches, cleaned, and melted to remove impurities. The purified shellac consists mainly of:

Resin acids (e.g., aleuritic acid and shellolic acid)
Wax components (approx. 3–5%)
Pigments (e.g., laccaic acid, which gives shellac its characteristic reddish-brown color)

Shellac is soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water, making it an ideal coating agent.

Use in the Food Industry

In the food industry, shellac is used as a glazing and coating agent. It extends the shelf life of food products, enhances their appearance, and protects delicate surfaces. Common applications include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables: Coating on apples, citrus fruits, pears, and melons to prevent drying out and mold growth
Confectionery: Glaze on chocolate products, dragees, chewing gum, and gummy candies
Coffee beans: Shiny coating on roasted coffee beans
Baked goods: Glossy surface on certain pastries and confectionery products

Use in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, shellac is used as a film-forming agent for tablets and capsules. It enables an enteric coating that prevents the active ingredient from being released in the stomach, ensuring targeted delivery in the small intestine instead.

Labeling Requirements

In the European Union, shellac is approved as a food additive under the designation E904. Foods treated with shellac must be labeled accordingly, for example with the indication “waxed” or “glazing agent: shellac.” Since shellac is of animal origin, it is generally not accepted by vegans and vegetarians.

Health Assessment and Safety

According to current scientific knowledge, shellac is considered safe for health when used in approved quantities. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated shellac and found no safety concerns at typical usage levels. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals with known insect allergies.

Other Areas of Application

Outside the food and pharmaceutical industries, shellac is widely used in:

Wood varnishes and furniture lacquers: Traditionally used as a polish and protective finish for furniture, flooring, and wooden instruments
Cosmetics: As a component in hairsprays, nail polish, and mascara
Printing inks: As a binder in certain printing inks
Electronics industry: Formerly used as an insulating material, now largely replaced by plastics

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of shellac (E 904) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2018.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
Trivedi, M.K. et al.: A review on chemical and pharmacological aspects of shellac. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2016.

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