Balmumu (Beeswax)

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A wax of animal origin obtained by melting the honeycomb of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) with hot water and refining it; it exists in two forms, white and yellow beeswax.

Where it is used

Used as a glazing and surface treatment agent in confectionery, bakery products and chewing gum base and on the surface of fresh and frozen fruit, and also as a carrier for flavourings. It is authorised in the lists of EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives.

Health note

EFSA's 2007 opinion (EFSA Journal 2007;5(12):615) concluded that the use of beeswax as a glazing agent and as a carrier for flavourings at current use levels does not raise a safety concern. In its 2005 evaluation the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) stated that, given the long history of use and the lack of toxicity of the main components of beeswax, estimated intakes below 650 mg per person per day are not of concern.

Halal assessment

Its source is animal: it is obtained from honey bee combs, and there is no plant-based or synthetic route of production. In glazing blends it may be used together with other materials of animal origin such as shellac (E 904) or with carrier solvents. Consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.