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Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A synthetic wax obtained by the controlled oxidation of petrochemically produced polyethylene; it consists of long-chain acids, alcohols and esters.

Where it is used

Authorised only for the surface treatment of certain fruits at quantum satis, that is the technologically necessary amount. It appears for this restricted use in the lists of EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives.

Health note

In its 2015 re-evaluation (EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4145) EFSA could not derive an ADI because chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies were lacking and the database had further limitations. No evidence of accumulation was reported in 90-day studies in rats and dogs, the substance was not genotoxic, and the lowest NOAEL was considered to be 800 mg/kg body weight per day. At the highest intake estimate (0.18 mg/kg body weight per day) the margin of safety was calculated as 4,400, and the Panel concluded that E 914 is of no safety concern at the maximum reported use level in its currently authorised use.

Halal assessment

Production is entirely synthetic (oxidation of petrochemical polyethylene); no animal input is reported in the EFSA opinion. Consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.