Shellac
What is Shellac?
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the female lac bug (Kerria lacca). The resin is harvested from trees in forests of India and Thailand, where the lac bugs live. It is processed to remove insect bodies and other impurities, then typically formed into flakes or a powder.
Is Shellac vegan?
No. Shellac is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.
Is Shellac gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Shellac a major allergen?
Shellac is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Shellac used for?
Shellac is used as a glazing agent to give food products a shiny appearance and to protect them from moisture.
Is Shellac safe?
Shellac is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Shellac is used as a glazing agent to give food products a shiny appearance and to protect them from moisture. It can also act as a barrier to prevent ingredients from migrating, for example, in confectionery. It is commonly found in sweets, baked goods, and chocolate-coated items.
Health notes
Shellac is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is assigned the E-number E904. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated shellac and it has been assigned an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Shellac is generally considered safe for consumption at typical levels found in food. There are no widespread health controversies associated with its use.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 4.1.1 entire fresh fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.3 chewing gum | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.2 Fine bakery wares | No numerical limit listed |
| 10.2 processed eggs and egg products | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) | 46000 |
| 14.1.5.1 coffee coffee extracts | No numerical limit listed |
| 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks | No numerical limit listed |
| 15.2 Processed nuts | No numerical limit listed |
| 17.1 food supplements supplied in a solid form excluding food supplements for infants and young children’, | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Shellac is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Shellac
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