Carnauba Wax And Confectioner's Glaze

Carnauba wax is a hard, brittle wax harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, native to Brazil. The leaves are dried, thrashed to remove the wax, and then the wax is purified. Confectioner's glaze is a coating made from shellac, a resin secreted by the lac beetle, or sometimes from carnauba wax and other ingredients.

These ingredients are used as glazing agents to give foods a shiny appearance and to protect them from moisture. They help prevent sticking and can create a smooth, protective coating. They are commonly found on candies, baked goods, and certain fruits and nuts.

Carnauba wax and confectioner's glaze are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are indigestible and pass through the body without being absorbed. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these substances. There are no widespread health concerns associated with their typical consumption levels.