What is E904?
E904 is Shellac — shellac — a glaze secreted by the lac insect, used to make sweets shiny. Not vegan, and debated among halal scholars.
What is E904 (Shellac)?
E904 is the E-number for shellac, one of the glazing agents & waxes group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group give foods a shiny surface coating or protective layer. Secreted by the female lac insect. Shellac is harvested from the resin secreted by female lac insects on trees in India and Thailand — the same substance once used to make gramophone records. Like every E-number, E904 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E904 in detail below.
Where is E904 found?
E904 is typically used in sweets, chocolate, chewing gum, fresh fruit coatings and baked goods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E904) or by its full name, shellac. Common foods that may contain E904 include:
- Glazed sweets and chocolate
- Sugar-coated confectionery
- Fruit coatings
- Pill coatings
Full guide: foods containing E904 and how to spot it on labels →
E904 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Shellac safe?
Is E904 safe?
E904 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E904.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E904 vegan?
E904 is not vegan. Secreted by the female lac insect.
Full vegan status guide for E904 →Is E904 halal?
E904 is mashbooh (doubtful) — secreted by the female lac insect. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E904 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E904 in food?
E904 is Shellac — shellac — a glaze secreted by the lac insect, used to make sweets shiny. Not vegan, and debated among halal scholars.
Is E904 safe to eat?
Yes. E904 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E904 vegan?
E904 is not vegan. Secreted by the female lac insect.
Is E904 halal?
E904 is mashbooh (doubtful) — secreted by the female lac insect. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).