Beeswax And Carnauba Wax

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. Carnauba wax is a hard, brittle wax harvested from the leaves of the Carnauba palm tree native to Brazil. Both waxes are refined and purified for use in food.

These waxes are used as glazing or coating agents to give foods a shiny appearance and to prevent sticking. They help maintain texture and can act as a firming agent. They are commonly found in candies, chewing gum, and some processed fruits and vegetables.

Beeswax and carnauba wax are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are not absorbed by the body and pass through undigested, so they do not contribute calories or have significant health effects at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated these waxes, and no major health concerns have been identified.