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Paraffin and Microcrystalline Wax (E 905)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Paraffin and microcrystalline waxes (E 905) are highly refined petroleum waxes. They are used as glazing agents and protective coatings, in chewing-gum base and as defoamers.

What the evidence review says

Paraffin and microcrystalline waxes are highly refined petroleum waxes. EFSA did not find a safety concern for the authorised food uses of microcrystalline wax. Long-term cancer studies on the wax itself are missing, so no daily intake limit was set. The wider concern is about less-refined mineral oils, not the specified food wax.

Food-grade waxes are refined to limit polycyclic aromatics, and EFSA did not find a safety concern for authorised uses of microcrystalline wax (E 905). The residual issue is the petroleum origin: untreated and mildly treated mineral oils are carcinogenic, long-term cancer studies on E 905 itself were missing so EFSA set no ADI, and some other mineral-oil fractions can leave saturated hydrocarbons in tissue. Current dietary exposure to mineral-oil saturated hydrocarbons was judged not of concern in 2023. Poorly controlled aromatic impurities would be a different problem from the specified food wax.

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.