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Carnauba wax (E903)

Carnauba wax is a glazing agent used in sweets, fruit coatings.. EFSA has published no numeric acceptable daily intake for it.

Glazing agentclass
Sweets, fruit coatings.typical foods
no numeric ADI setADI

What it does

A plant wax.

Where you meet it

Sweets, fruit coatings.

This page describes the general scientific position. Allergies and sensitivities are individual: if your body disagrees with an additive, avoid it regardless of any ADI.

Sources: EFSA — food additives re-evaluations · Open Food Facts — additives taxonomy · checked 2026-09-03

Frequently asked questions

What is Carnauba wax (E903)?

Glazing agent. A plant wax. It is used in Sweets, fruit coatings.

How much carnauba wax is safe?

EFSA published no numeric ADI, which usually means the substance is so benign that no limit needed to be set — or that intake is self-limiting. The assessment itself is still a full safety evaluation.

Should I avoid carnauba wax?

For a healthy adult there is no reason to avoid it at typical intakes. If you have a diagnosed sensitivity or a health condition, your clinician's advice is the one that counts.

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