Karnauba mumu

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A wax of plant origin obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), which grows in Brazil.

Where it is used

Used as a glazing and surface treatment agent in confectionery, chocolate, chewing gum, food supplements and on fresh fruit. It is authorised in the lists of EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives.

Health note

The EU Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) had allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight per day for carnauba wax. In its 2012 re-evaluation (EFSA Journal 2012;10(10):2880) the Panel did not establish its own ADI because long-term toxicity data were lacking, but reported that exposure estimates from the authorised uses left sufficient margins of safety compared with the identified NOAELs and that use at the currently authorised levels would not be of safety concern.

Halal assessment

Its source is plant-based (leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm); no animal input is reported in the EFSA opinion. Because glazing blends may combine it with materials of animal origin such as beeswax or shellac, the composition of the final product may vary. Consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.