SHELLAC, BLEACHED
Prepared at the 55th JECFA (2000) and published in FNP 52 Add 8 (2000), superseding specifications prepared at the 51st JECFA (1998) and published in FNP 52 Add 6 (1998). An ADI "Acceptable, present uses (as a coating, glazing, and surface-finishing agent externally applied to food) not of toxicological concern" was established at the 39th JECFA (1992).
SYNONYMS INS No. 904
DEFINITION Shellac is a polyester resin obtained from lac, the resinous secretion of the insect Laccifer (Tachardia) lacca Kerr (Fam. Coccidae). Bleached shellac is obtained by dissolving the lac in aqueous sodium carbonate, followed by bleaching with sodium hypochlorite, precipitation of the bleached lac with dilute sulfuric acid solution, and drying; wax-free bleached shellac is prepared by further treatment whereby the wax is removed by filtration.
C.A.S. number 9000-59-3
DESCRIPTION Bleached shellac: off-white to tan, amorphous granular resin; wax-free bleached shellac: light yellow, amorphous, granular resin
FUNCTIONAL USES Coating agent, glazing agent, surface finishing agent
