E-numbers / Other additives / E905
also: Petroleum wax · Micro-wax · Microcrystalline paraffin
A refined petroleum-derived wax used to coat sweets, chewing gum, and some tropical fruit to stop them drying out or sticking together.
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No long-term carcinogenicity studies in humans exist for this additive, so regulators could not set a formal acceptable daily intake.
Why it’s worth knowing. No long-term carcinogenicity studies in humans exist for this additive, so regulators could not set a formal acceptable daily intake. It is used only on food surfaces in small amounts.
Microcrystalline wax is a refined, semi-solid wax derived from petroleum. It is a mixture of high-molecular-weight saturated hydrocarbons, more branched and less crystalline than paraffin wax. Food-grade versions must meet purity specifications to limit the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Applied as a thin surface coating, it forms a water-resistant, low-friction film that seals moisture in, prevents sticking, and gives a smooth or glossy finish. On fruit, it replaces the natural wax lost during washing and slows moisture loss and surface mould.
Used on non-chocolate confectionery such as boiled sweets and chewing gum, and as a surface treatment on tropical fruit including melons, papaya, mango and avocado. On a UK label it appears as 'E905' or 'microcrystalline wax' in the ingredients list, or as 'wax' within a 'glazing agent' declaration.
When EFSA re-evaluated E905 in 2013, it could not establish an acceptable daily intake because no long-term toxicity or carcinogenicity studies specifically on microcrystalline wax were available. The panel used data from chemically related mineral hydrocarbons to estimate a margin of safety, which they judged acceptable for the authorised uses. The data gap itself, however, means regulators are working from indirect evidence rather than direct long-term human or animal studies.
EFSA concluded that no ADI could be established for microcrystalline wax E905 because long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity studies specific to this substance were not available.
Unlike most mineral oil fractions, microcrystalline waxes did not accumulate in tissues in animal studies, which the panel considered a relevant distinguishing factor.
EFSA's 2013 re-evaluation found no evidence of genotoxicity from microcrystalline wax. Available short- and medium-term toxicity studies with mineral hydrocarbons closely related to E905 showed no effects of concern at levels relevant to food use.
The EFSA panel concluded there is no concern for genotoxicity from microcrystalline wax (E 905) based on available data.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives previously established a group acceptable daily intake of 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day covering mineral oils, paraffins and microcrystalline waxes together. EFSA did not adopt this figure for E905 specifically, citing the absence of dedicated long-term studies.
JECFA set a group ADI of 20 mg/kg bw/day for mineral oils, paraffins and microcrystalline waxes; EFSA declined to apply this to E905 separately due to missing carcinogenicity data.
No specific group is required by UK law to avoid E905. People choosing to minimise petroleum-derived food additives should look for 'E905' or 'microcrystalline wax' in the ingredients or glazing agent declaration, and check whether fruit has been wax-coated before consuming the skin.
E905 is a petroleum-derived wax applied in very small amounts to the surface of food. The science on it is limited rather than alarming: EFSA reviewed it in 2013 and found no genotoxicity signals and no tissue accumulation, but also found that the specific long-term animal and human studies needed to set a formal daily intake limit had never been done. Regulators judged the exposure from authorised uses low enough to accept despite that gap. This is a case where the data is thin, not where the data shows harm.
No. Microcrystalline wax (E905) is approved for use in the UK under assimilated EU food additive regulations, permitted as a surface treatment on confectionery, chewing gum, and certain tropical fruits.
EFSA's 2013 re-evaluation found that long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity studies specifically on microcrystalline wax had not been conducted. Without that data, the panel could not calculate a numerical ADI, though it judged the margin of safety acceptable for the small amounts used in authorised applications.
E905 is mainly found in hard boiled sweets and other non-chocolate confectionery, chewing gum, and as a surface coating on tropical fruit such as mango, papaya, avocado and melon. It appears as 'E905', 'microcrystalline wax', or within a 'glazing agent' declaration on the label.
Microcrystalline wax is derived from petroleum, not animal sources, so it is generally considered acceptable to vegans. However, it is often used alongside other waxes such as shellac (E904, derived from insects) or beeswax (E901) on confectionery, so checking the full ingredients list matters.
Last reviewed: 20 June 2026
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