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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing or polishing agent to give foods a …
What it is
Carnauba wax is a hard, brittle wax derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, Copernicia prunifera. The leaves are dried, threshed to loosen the wax, and then the wax is refined and purified.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing or polishing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and to prevent sticking. It is commonly found in confectionery, baked goods, and fruit preparations.
Health notes
In the United States, carnauba wax is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is not metabolized by the body and passes through undigested. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated carnauba wax and have not set specific numerical limits for its intake, indicating it is considered safe at typical consumption levels. There is no significant scientific controversy regarding its safety.
Allergen info
Carnauba wax is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.