E903 - Carnauba Wax
Author: Maryam Ayres
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: The food supplement E 903 is a wax extracted from the leaves of a genus of palm called Copernicia cerifera. Carnauba wax is a hard and brittle yellowish-brown scales. The smell
Characteristic
The food supplement E 903 is a wax derived from the leaves of a palm genus called Copernicia cerifera. Carnauba wax is a hard and brittle yellowish-brown scales. The smell is pleasant, the melting temperature varies from 80 to 91 degrees Celsius. The substance dissolves well in chloroform and ether. In boiling ethanol the degree of solubility is medium, it does not dissolve in water.
Use
In the food industry, E 903 most often acts as an ingredient for the icing of candies and chewing gum, is part of pasta confectionery with glazes. With carnauba wax cover fresh fruits (peaches, pears, apples, melons, pineapples) to preserve their properties and attractive appearance for a long time. The wax is also used to coat nuts and coffee beans. The additive is often used in the production of automotive polishes, shoe paints, polishes for furniture and floors, wooden surfaces. This wax is used as an ingredient in cosmetic products. It can be found in lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, shadows, creams. In pharmacology, the substance is used for tablet coatings.
Impact on humans
Food supplement E 903 is non-toxic. No side effects from the use of the substance in food were found. Nutritionists recommend not to overdo it with carnauba wax, because it can lead to digestive disorders.