Coating
Also known as: seasoning
"Coating" is a generic umbrella term that hides specific ingredients. The actual coating could be sugar, wax, shellac (E904), confectioner's glaze, hydrogenated oil, or chocolate, with very different safety profiles.
What it is
Generic umbrella term for an applied surface layer on food (e.g., glaze, wax, sugar, chocolate, batter, breading) without specifying composition.
Improves appearance, prevents moisture loss, adds gloss or texture, or carries flavor.
What regulators actually say
"The label of a food fabricated from two or more ingredients shall declare each ingredient by its common or usual name."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not a single substance; FDA requires component disclosure for most coatings under 21 CFR 101
European Union — EFSA
Generic descriptor; specific coating components must be declared per Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
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