E914: Oxidised Polyethylene Wax
Main role: surface coating
Also listed as: oxidized polyethylene wax
What is E914 (Oxidised Polyethylene Wax)?
Oxidised polyethylene wax is a specified coating ingredient used in limited food surface applications. Its additive identity refers to a particular processed wax preparation rather than any polyethylene material.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is surface coating. A glazing ingredient acts mainly at the food’s surface. Its role can be appearance, protection, or handling. Different waxes and coating materials have different origins and food-use specifications.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified fruit surface treatments
- Narrowly authorized coatings
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E914, E 914, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include oxidized polyethylene wax. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A food coating and plastic packaging have different specifications and exposure patterns. The shared polyethylene-related name does not make them interchangeable materials.
Is E914 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E914 as Oxidised polyethylene wax. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.