Beeswax (E901) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Beeswax?
Beeswax is a natural substance produced by honeybees and used to build their honeycombs. As a food additive, it is one of the oldest known glazing agents, providing a protective, shiny coating on foods. It is recognized as safe by all major food safety authorities and has been used in food production for centuries.
What Is It Used For?
Applied as a surface coating on confectionery, fresh fruits, and some vegetables to provide shine, prevent moisture loss, and reduce bruising. Found on the surface of many hard candies and chocolate-coated products.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
No safety concerns from a toxicological standpoint. The primary consideration is dietary: beeswax is not vegan as it is an animal product. Most Islamic scholars consider beeswax halal. Kosher status is generally accepted. No allergic reactions to beeswax have been documented in food additive use.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Beeswax an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is equal to the database average for glazing agents (9/10). Dataset reference year: 2012.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E901 or 'Beeswax'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Beeswax
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E901
- INS Number
- 901
- Category
- Glazing Agents
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- No limit
- Dataset Review
- 2012
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.