BEESWAX
Revised specifications prepared at the 65th JECFA (2005) and published in FNP 52 Add 13 (2005), superseding specifications prepared at the 39 th
JECFA (1992) and published in FNP 52 Add 1 (1992), and incorporating the decisions on the metals and arsenic specifications agreed at the 63rd
JECFA (2004) and published in FNP 52 Add 12 (2004). The 65th JECFA (2005) considered the additive to be of no toxicological concern for the
functional uses listed.
SYNONYMS INS No. 901
DEFINITION Beeswax is obtained from the honeycombs of bees (Fam. Apidae, e.g. Apis mellifera L) after the honey has been removed by draining or centrifuging. The combs are melted with hot water, steam or solar heat; the melted product is filtered and cast into cakes of yellow beeswax. White
beeswax is obtained by bleaching the yellow beeswax with oxidizing agents, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, or sunlight.
Beeswax consists of a mixture of esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons and free fatty acids; minor amounts of free fatty alcohols are
also present.
C.A.S. number 8006-40-4 (yellow beeswax)
8012-89-3 (white beeswax)
DESCRIPTION Yellow beeswax: yellow or light-brown solid that is somewhat brittle when cold and presents a dull, granular, non-crystalline fracture when broken; it becomes pliable at about 35o. It has a characteristic odour of honey. White beeswax: white or yellowish white solid (thin layers are translucent) having a faint and characteristic odour of honey
FUNCTIONAL USES Glazing agent; release agent; stabilizer; texturizer for chewing gum base; carrier for food additives (including flavours and colours); clouding agent
