E904: Shellac

What is E904 (Shellac)?

Shellac (E904) is a natural resin secreted by the female lac insect (Kerria lacca), primarily found on host trees in India and Thailand. This amber-colored substance has been used for centuries in various applications, from traditional furniture finishes to food glazing. In the food industry, shellac provides a glossy, protective coating that extends shelf life and enhances appearance.

Source and Production

Shellac is obtained through a meticulous process:

Natural source: Harvested from resinous secretions of the lac insect 2. Production process:
- Stick lac (raw form) is harvested from trees
- Processed to remove insect parts, twigs, and other impurities
- Refined through melting, filtering, and stretching
- Dried and broken into flakes or dissolved in alcohol for liquid formulations 3. Processing types:
- Wax-containing shellac (traditional)
- Dewaxed shellac (preferred for many food applications)
- Bleached shellac (lighter color)

While shellac production involves insect secretions, the insects themselves are not part of the final product, though some may consider it non-vegan for this reason.

Common Uses in Food

E904 is used in a variety of food products, including:

Confectionery (candy coatings and glazes)
Chocolate coatings
Fresh fruit coatings (apples, citrus fruits)
Nuts and dried fruits
Pills and tablets (pharmaceutical applications)
Baked goods (glaze on pastries)
Anti-sticking agent in dried fruit processing
Coffee beans (to seal in freshness)
Vitamins and dietary supplements

Functional Properties in Food

Shellac serves multiple functions in food applications:

Glazing agent: Provides glossy appearance
Moisture barrier: Prevents moisture loss or gain
Oxygen barrier: Helps prevent oxidation and extends shelf life
Surface protection: Reduces physical damage
Flavor sealant: Helps retain volatile flavors
Anti-sticking properties: Prevents items from sticking together
Structure reinforcement: Adds strength to delicate confections

Health and Safety

Safety Assessment

Shellac has been extensively evaluated and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). It has been approved by:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established as no safety concerns were identified at the levels used in food.

Safety Considerations

Shellac has an excellent safety profile:

Digestibility: Largely undigested and passes through the digestive system
Allergic reactions: Extremely rare
Toxicity: Very low toxicity even at high consumption levels
Metabolism: Not significantly metabolized or absorbed

Regulatory Status

E904 (Shellac) is approved for use in most countries worldwide:

European Union: Approved as E904
United States: FDA approved as GRAS
Australia/New Zealand: Approved as food additive 904
Canada: Permitted as a food additive
Japan: Approved for use in specific food applications

Natural Status and Consumer Perception

Shellac is considered a natural product but with some considerations:

Natural origin: Derived from a biological source without significant chemical modification
Insect-derived: Not suitable for strict vegans or certain religious dietary restrictions
Sustainable harvesting: Generally considered sustainable as it doesn't harm host trees and supports rural economies
Traditional use: Long history of use in both food and non-food applications

Non-Food Applications

Beyond food, shellac has numerous other applications:

Traditional wood finishes
Nail polish and cosmetics
Electrical insulation
Musical instrument finishes
Traditional medicines
Printing inks
Traditional crafts

Consumer Information

Consumers may find shellac on labels under various names:

E904
Shellac
Confectioner's glaze
Natural glaze
Resinous glaze
Pharmaceutical glaze

Products using shellac are often described as having a "shiny coating" or "polished appearance."

Alternatives to E904

For those looking to avoid shellac, alternative coating agents include:

Carnauba wax (E903) - plant-based
Beeswax (E901) - animal-derived but not insect-based
Candelilla wax (E902) - plant-based
Zein (corn protein)
Modified cellulose coatings
Various plant-based gums and resins

Conclusion

E904 (Shellac) is a natural food additive with an excellent safety profile, as reflected by its low toxicity rating of 1. Its role as a protective coating helps extend shelf life and enhance appearance without posing health concerns. While its insect origin may make it unsuitable for some dietary restrictions, its natural status, minimal processing, and long history of safe use make it a valuable and widely accepted food additive. Most consumers can consume shellac-coated products without any health concerns.