Ingredient · E904

Shellac-e904

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Shellac is used as a glazing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and …

What is Shellac-e904?

Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the female lac bug (Kerria lacca). The resin is scraped from twigs, purified, and then processed into flakes or powder. It is often dissolved in alcohol for use as a food ingredient.

Is Shellac-e904 vegan?

No. Shellac-e904 is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.

Is Shellac-e904 gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Shellac-e904 a major allergen?

Shellac is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens.

What is Shellac-e904 used for?

Shellac is used as a glazing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and to protect them from moisture.

Is Shellac-e904 safe?

Shellac is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Shellac is used as a glazing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and to protect them from moisture. It can also act as a sealant and a hardening agent. It is commonly found on candies, chocolates, and some fruits.

Health notes

Shellac is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It has been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA, who have established acceptable daily intakes. At typical consumption levels, shellac is not associated with adverse health effects. Some individuals may have sensitivities, but this is rare.

Allergen info

Shellac is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Shellac-e904

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.