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E914Glazing agentLow concern
Oxidized Polyethylene Wax
In plain words
The short version
An oxidized polyethylene wax — a fruit-coating glazing agent with a long shelf life.
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
There is no EU ADI: the SCF could not allocate one, and EFSA (2015) found the toxicity data insufficient to derive one, but concluded that E 914 is of no safety concern at the maximum reported use level in its authorised use on fruit (typical 0.4–0.9 g/m² on fruit surface). Not absorbed.
The detail
Manufactured by controlled oxidation of low-molecular-weight polyethylene. The oxidation introduces carboxyl groups that make the wax dispersible in aqueous emulsion — usable as a spray coating without solvents.
Used as a protective coating wax on fresh fruit such as citrus after harvest. EU and US rules list specific fruits (and, in the US, some vegetables and nuts in shell); apples and confectionery are not among the listed uses. Provides a higher gloss than carnauba and less brittle than shellac.
Off-white to pale yellow wax flakes or aqueous emulsion. Insoluble in water (the emulsified form is a stable colloid).
Permitted in the EU only for the surface treatment of citrus fruit, melons, papaya, mango, avocado and pineapple. In the US, oxidized polyethylene may be used as a protective coating on listed fresh fruits and vegetables and on some nuts in shell (21 CFR 172.260).
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Re-evaluation of oxidised polyethylene wax (E 914) as a food additive, EFSA Journal 2015;13(6):4145, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4145 — EFSA, 2015. Safety: data insufficient to derive an ADI; no safety concern at max reported use on fruit
- 21 CFR 172.260 — Oxidized polyethylene — eCFR / US FDA, 2026. US status: protective coating for listed fresh fruits, vegetables and in-shell nuts (no apples, no confectionery)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives — consolidated text of 18.08.2026 (Annex II) — EUR-Lex / European Union, 2026. EU status: quantum satis only for surface treatment of citrus, melons, papaya, mango, avocado and pineapple
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.