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E905Glazing agentLow concern
Microcrystalline Wax
In plain words
The short version
A petroleum-derived wax used to coat candies, cheese rinds, and fresh produce.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–20 mg/kg body weight (JECFA, for food-grade quality). Not absorbed in the gut. Safety hinges on the purity specification — food-grade wax meets strict PAH limits that lower grades do not.
The detail
A high-molecular-weight petroleum wax separated from heavy distillation residues by solvent dewaxing. Food-grade material undergoes hydrogenation and severe purification to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other contaminants.
Coats candies, cheese rinds, chewing gum bases, and the surface of some fresh produce (apples, citrus) to delay water loss and improve appearance. Provides a higher gloss and softer texture than paraffin wax. Use levels are very low — surface treatment only.
Off-white to amber wax, harder and higher-melting than paraffin (mp 60–95°C). Insoluble in water; soluble in hot non-polar solvents.
Permitted in the EU and US for food-contact and direct food-additive use, subject to purity criteria.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Microcrystalline wax (INS 905c) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1995. ADI 0–20 mg/kg bw (JECFA)
- US eCFR — 21 CFR 172.886 Petroleum wax (version of 2026-10-13) — Office of the Federal Register / US FDA, 2026. US direct food additive use (cheese, produce, gum base) with purity limits
- EU — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II (consolidated text of 18.08.2026) — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. EU authorisation limited to surface treatment of certain fruit, confectionery, chewing gum, decorations
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.