What is E904 in Food? (A Complete Guide)

What Is E904 In Food?

Have you ever looked at a food label and seen the ingredient “E904”? If so, you may have wondered what it is and why it’s in your food. E904 is a food additive that is used as an anticaking agent. It helps to keep powders and other ingredients from clumping together.

E904 is a synthetic substance that is made from petroleum. It is safe for human consumption and is approved for use in food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, some people have concerns about the safety of E904, as it is a synthetic substance that is not found naturally in food.

In this article, we will take a closer look at E904. We will discuss what it is, why it’s used in food, and whether or not it is safe to consume.

We will also provide some tips for avoiding E904 in your diet.

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Name	Function	Examples
E904	Anti-caking agent	Talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate
E904a	Anti-caking agent	Calcium silicate
E904b	Anti-caking agent	Magnesium silicate

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What is E904?

E904 is the European Union food additive code for shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac bug. It is used as a glazing agent, coating agent, and sealant in a variety of food products.

Shellac is a natural product that has been used for centuries in a variety of applications, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is a hard, brittle resin that is soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. Shellac is produced by the lac bug, a small insect that feeds on the sap of trees in tropical and subtropical regions. The female lac bug secretes a resinous substance that hardens on contact with air. This resin is collected and processed to produce shellac.

Shellac is a versatile material that has a number of properties that make it suitable for use in food products. It is tasteless and odorless, and it is not toxic. Shellac is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for use in products that are exposed to moisture or heat.

Shellac is used in a variety of food products, including candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. It is also used as a coating agent for fruits and vegetables. Shellac helps to protect food products from moisture and spoilage, and it also gives them a shiny, attractive appearance.

E904 is a safe food additive that has been used for centuries. It is a natural product that has a number of properties that make it suitable for use in food products. Shellac is tasteless, odorless, and not toxic. It is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for use in products that are exposed to moisture or heat.

Uses of E904 in Food

E904 is used in a variety of food products, including:

• Candies
• Chewing gum
• Baked goods
• Fruits and vegetables
• Pet food
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics

Shellac is used as a glazing agent, coating agent, and sealant in these products. It helps to protect food products from moisture and spoilage, and it also gives them a shiny, attractive appearance.

E904 is a safe food additive that has been used for centuries. It is a natural product that has a number of properties that make it suitable for use in food products. Shellac is tasteless, odorless, and not toxic. It is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for use in products that are exposed to moisture or heat.

Here are some specific examples of how E904 is used in food products:

• In candies, E904 is used as a glazing agent to give them a shiny, attractive appearance. It also helps to protect the candies from moisture and spoilage.
• In chewing gum, E904 is used as a coating agent to help the gum stick to the wrapper. It also helps to prevent the gum from drying out.
• In baked goods, E904 is used as a sealant to help keep the baked goods moist and fresh. It also helps to give the baked goods a shiny, attractive appearance.
• In fruits and vegetables, E904 is used as a coating agent to help protect the fruits and vegetables from moisture and spoilage. It also helps to give the fruits and vegetables a shiny, attractive appearance.
• In pet food, E904 is used as a glazing agent to give the pet food a shiny, attractive appearance. It also helps to protect the pet food from moisture and spoilage.
• In pharmaceuticals, E904 is used as a coating agent to help protect the pharmaceuticals from moisture and spoilage. It also helps to give the pharmaceuticals a shiny, attractive appearance.
• In cosmetics, E904 is used as a glazing agent to give the cosmetics a shiny, attractive appearance. It also helps to protect the cosmetics from moisture and spoilage.

E904 is a safe food additive that has been used for centuries. It is a natural product that has a number of properties that make it suitable for use in food products. Shellac is tasteless, odorless, and not toxic. It is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for use in products that are exposed to moisture or heat.

3. Safety of E904

E904 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also approved for use in food by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

There is no evidence that E904 poses a health risk when consumed in food. However, some people may be allergic to shellac. If you are allergic to shellac, you should avoid foods that contain E904.

4. Concerns About E904

Some people have concerns about the use of E904 in food. These concerns include:

• Environmental concerns: Shellac is produced by the lac bug, which feeds on trees. Some people worry that the harvesting of lac bugs could damage forests.
• Animal welfare concerns: Some people worry that the harvesting of lac bugs could be harmful to the bugs.
• Religious concerns: Some religions prohibit the consumption of insects. E904 is derived from insects, so some people who follow these religions avoid foods that contain E904.

Overall, the safety of E904 is well-established. There is no evidence that it poses a health risk when consumed in food. However, some people may be allergic to shellac, and others may have concerns about the environmental or animal welfare implications of its use.

E904 is a food additive that is used to coat food products. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and the EFSA. However, some people may be allergic to shellac, and others may have concerns about the environmental or animal welfare implications of its use.

If you have any concerns about E904, you should talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Q: What is E904 in food?
A: E904 is a food additive that is used as an anticaking agent. It is derived from shellac, which is a resin produced by the lac bug. Shellac is dissolved in alcohol and then sprayed onto food products to prevent them from caking together. E904 is safe to consume and is approved for use in the EU and the US.

Q: What foods contain E904?
A: E904 is used in a variety of foods, including powdered sugar, confectionery, and breakfast cereals. It is also used in some pharmaceutical products.

Q: Is E904 vegan?
A: No, E904 is not vegan. It is derived from an animal product, so it is not suitable for vegans.

Q: Are there any health concerns associated with E904?
A: There are no known health concerns associated with E904. It is a safe food additive that has been used for many years.

Q: Where can I find more information about E904?
A: You can find more information about E904 on the following websites:

• [European Food Safety Authority](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2382)
• [Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/shellac-additive-e904)

  E904 is a food additive that is used as an anticaking agent. It is found in a variety of foods, including breakfast cereals, powdered drinks, and candy. While E904 is generally considered safe to consume, there is some concern that it may be harmful to children. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of E904 consumption.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• E904 is a food additive that is used as an anticaking agent.
• It is found in a variety of foods, including breakfast cereals, powdered drinks, and candy.
• While E904 is generally considered safe to consume, there is some concern that it may be harmful to children.
• More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of E904 consumption.