Origin
E 905 is obtained from the residues of petroleum distillation for use in food production. A series of chemical and physical treatments are necessary to extract microcrystalline wax from the crude oil base material.
Usage
While E 905 can be used without any maximum quantity restrictions, it is only permitted for very specific foods. It is often used together with certain plastics such as polyethylene to produce, for example, peelable coatings for sausages or cheese. Additionally, E 905 is used to treat the surfaces of the following fruit varieties: melon, papaya, mango, and avocado. Furthermore, it is used in confectionery and chewing gum.
Risks
E 905 does not enter metabolism. It is therefore excreted unchanged. Despite being a petroleum product, microcrystalline wax is completely harmless to the human organism. An ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) has therefore not been established.