E904 - Шеллак (Shellac)
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~0
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: E 904 is a natural resin that is produced by insect aphids. They parasitize some trees in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in the countries of Southeast A
Characteristic
E 904 is a natural resin that is produced by insect aphids. They parasitize some trees in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in the countries of Southeast Asia and India. The substance dissolves well in aliphatic lower alcohols, bases. In benzene the solubility is weak, in benzene, acetone, water, ether and oils - it does not dissolve.
Bleached shellac is a white granular amorphous resin. Bleached wax-free shellac is a light yellow granular amorphous resin.
Use
Shellac is used in the food industry primarily as a glazing agent for fresh fruits (melons, peaches, pineapples, apples, pears) and citrus. The additive is part of chocolate glazes, candies, dragees, pasta with glazes. With the help of shellac, coatings for chewing gum, coffee beans, nuts are created. In addition, the substance is used in the manufacture of insulation materials, wood finishes and musical instruments. It is used in photography, as well as in pyrotechnics as a flammable substance.
Impact on humans
Food supplement E 904 is non-toxic, does not cause adverse reactions in humans when added to food.
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