E901 - Beeswaxes
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: The food additive E 901 is a mixture of complex esters of higher alcohols with higher fatty acids, as well as hydrocarbons, free fatty alcohols and free fatty acids. This complicated op
Characteristic
The food additive E 901 is a mixture of complex esters of higher alcohols with higher fatty acids, as well as hydrocarbons, free fatty alcohols and free fatty acids. This complex organic compound is nothing but a product of honey bees. From the wax the bees build wax combs. The additive is a solid plastic substance, the color is from white to yellowish-brown and brown, has a specific copper odor. At a temperature of 35 degrees the wax becomes plastic, and when the temperature drops it breaks, breaks.
E 901 does not dissolve in glycerin; the solubility in alcohol is not good; in essential oils, fats, turpentine, paraffin, benzene, ether and chloroform there are high solubility rates.
Beeswax is obtained from honeycombs, by melting with hot water or steam, or with the help of solar heat. The melted wax is filtered and, if necessary, bleached.
Use
In the food industry, white and yellow waxes are used as glazing agents. They cover fresh citrus fruits, pineapples, melons, peaches, apples and pears to prevent them from rotting. They cover the cheese and yellow cheese pies with them to prevent the products from drying out and to be stored for a longer time. E 901 is often used in confectionery: it is added to candies, chocolates, dragees, nuts, coffee beans, pastry. It can be found in the composition of biologically active additives and in that of chewing gum.
Apart from the food industry, the additive is a key element in the production of candles. Wax is also used in heavy industry for the production of molds. With the help of beeswax are prepared polishing agents for wood products, furniture, parquet.
The additive E 901 is widely used in pharmacology and medicine due to its bactericidal properties. The wax is part of many ointments and healing ointments for the treatment of burns, wounds, ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin. In addition, white and yellow waxes are used in the preparation of natural cosmetics. E 901 is a key ingredient in the manufacture of creams, ointments, lipsticks, dry deodorants.
Impact on humans
Numerous studies speak of various beneficial effects of the dietary supplement E 901 on the human body. The bactericidal properties of wax are known and used before the new era. However, the internal intake of wax should be carried out under medical supervision, because otherwise it can lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.