E903

E903 is the European Union's food additive number for carnauba wax. It is a hard, yellowish-green wax derived from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree, native to northeastern Brazil. Carnauba wax is known for its high melting point and gloss, making it a valuable ingredient in various food applications.

In the food industry, E903 primarily functions as a glazing agent and a coating agent. It is commonly used to provide a protective and shiny coating to fruits, vegetables, confectionery, and baked goods. This coating helps to prevent moisture loss, improve appearance, and extend shelf life. For example, it gives candies their smooth, shiny finish and helps apples and citrus fruits maintain their fresh look. It can also be used as an anti-caking agent in some powdered food products.

The production of carnauba wax involves harvesting the palm leaves, drying them, and then beating them to release the wax. The raw wax is then melted and filtered to remove impurities before being purified and solidified. Carnauba wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), when used within specified limits. It is considered a natural product and is often favored by manufacturers seeking to use ingredients perceived as more natural.