Confectioners' Glaze
FDA-permitted coating; shellac is GRAS for use as an indirect food additive and surface-finishing agent.
What it is
Coating material made primarily from shellac (a resin secreted by the lac insect) dissolved in food-grade alcohol; also known as pharmaceutical glaze or pure food glaze.
Surface coating providing shine, moisture barrier, and protection on candies, pills, and chocolates.
Why it's flagged
- insect-derived (not vegan)
- rare allergic reactions reported
What regulators actually say
"Resinous and polymeric coatings may be safely used as the food-contact surface of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food"
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted; shellac listed at 21 CFR 175.300 (resinous coatings) and used as confectioner's glaze under common usage
European Union — EFSA
Approved as E904 Shellac
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