Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
E901 — beeswax — is a natural food additive classified as a glazing agent and release agent. In the food industry, it is used to give products a glossy appearance, protect them from drying out, and extend their shelf life.
Additive E901 is of entirely natural origin: it is produced as a result of the biological activity of honey bees and has been known to humans since ancient times as a versatile natural material.
Beeswax was used in antiquity for making candles, preserving food, and in medicine and cosmetics. With the development of the food industry, its properties began to be applied to food processing as well, particularly for coating fruits and confectionery products.
From a chemical perspective, beeswax is a complex mixture of fatty acid esters and long-chain alcohols. Its generalized chemical formula is often given as C15H31COOC30H61 (myricyl palmitate), although in practice the composition may vary depending on the region of collection and bee species. In addition to esters, beeswax contains:
- free fatty acids (approximately 12–15%) — contributing to a slightly acidic reaction;
- hydrocarbons (approximately 12–16%) — providing inertness and water-repellent properties;
- free alcohols and vitamins (including vitamin A) — responsible for biological activity.
Additive E901 is a solid substance of light yellow to brown color with a mild characteristic aroma. It solidifies at room temperature and melts at approximately 62–65 °C. Beeswax is practically insoluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents, allowing it to form stable, glossy, and moisture-resistant coatings on the surface of food products.
For food applications, beeswax is obtained by purifying natural wax from honeycombs. It is melted, filtered, and further refined to remove mechanical impurities before being used in the food industry.
Effects on the Body
Benefit of Additive E901
Beeswax is considered a biologically inert substance that is not absorbed into the bloodstream, is hardly digested by the body, and is excreted unchanged. It may act as a mild natural sorbent, stimulating intestinal peristalsis.
In the scientific assessment by EFSA published in 2007, the expert panel on food additives concluded that the use of beeswax is safe for human health at the current levels of use in food products.
According to the evaluation of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), beeswax has been assigned an ADI of “not specified,” meaning that there is no need to establish a numerical acceptable daily intake because, at normal levels of use, additive E901 is considered safe for human health.
Risks of Additive E901
Beeswax is generally regarded as low in toxicity and safe for food use.
Potential risks are mainly associated with excessive consumption of wax-coated products, which may cause mild digestive discomfort. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur in individuals with hypersensitivity to bee products.
Some studies indicate that beeswax may contain residues of pesticides, veterinary drugs, and heavy metals that can accumulate depending on environmental conditions and harvesting methods. This issue is also noted by EFSA in its assessment of additive E901.
Uses
In the food industry, additive E901 is used as a highly effective natural glazing and release agent, providing products with an attractive shine and reliable protection against external factors.
Due to its ability to form a thin hydrophobic film, beeswax prevents moisture loss and premature wilting of fruits, protects confectionery products (such as dragees, chewing gum, and candies) from sticking and cracking, and serves as an inert carrier for flavorings.
Legal Status
Food additive E901 is permitted for use in most countries worldwide. It is officially approved in the European Union, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Japan, and other countries.
In the EU, additive E901 is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. In Ukraine, E901 is included in the list of permitted food additives in accordance with European legislation.
In the United States, beeswax has GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe).