E905cii - Paraffin wax
What it is and how it is used
Paraffin wax is a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons refined from petroleum — the wax of candles, crayons and jar seals. Sub-codes such as E 905c and E 905c(ii) come from international listings that divide the mineral hydrocarbon waxes into classes.
Great Britain does not make those divisions. The GB specifications carry a single entry under this number: E 905 MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, a different and more finely crystalline petroleum wax, authorised as a glazing agent. There is no E 905c(ii) on the list.
Foods commonly containing it
Not applicable in Great Britain under this code. Microcrystalline wax (E 905) is authorised here and is used as a surface treatment on confectionery and chewing gum.
Safety summary
E 905c(ii) is not in the FSA Register of Food Additive Authorisations, and there is no specification for it in the assimilated specifications regulation. The single authorised entry under E 905 is microcrystalline wax.
We have not quoted an ADI, because none has been set for a code that does not correspond to a GB-authorised substance.
The plant-derived glazing agents on the GB list are the more likely thing to meet on a UK label: carnauba wax (E 903), beeswax (E 901), candelilla wax (E 902) and shellac (E 904).