E901 · Beeswax, white and yellow
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E901?
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees, used in food as a glazing agent to give a shiny protective coating to items like candy, chocolate, and fruit. Yellow beeswax is the raw form taken from the hive, while white beeswax is bleached/purified. It is also widely used in cosmetics and candle-making. As a bee-derived product, it is not suitable for vegans.
Also appears on labels as: Beeswax, White beeswax, Yellow beeswax, Cera alba, Cera flava, Food grade beeswax, E901, E 901, E-901, Natural wax beeswax, Beeswax coating, Beeswax powder.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- Not suitable for vegans as it is an animal (insect) product.
Frequently asked questions
Is E901 safe?
Our overall verdict for E901 (Beeswax, white and yellow) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E901 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Beeswax, white and yellow — vegan: no, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E901 and why is it used?
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees, used in food as a glazing agent to give a shiny protective coating to items like candy, chocolate, and fruit. Yellow beeswax is the raw form taken from the hive, while white beeswax is bleached/purified. It is also widely used in cosmetics and candle-making. As a bee-derived product, it is not suitable for vegans.
Does E901 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Beeswax, white and yellow, though some people report sensitivity (Rare contact sensitivity in cosmetics; uncommon as a food-ingestion concern).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.