⚡ HIGH CONTAMINATION / SOLVENT RISK
Shellac (Confectioner’s Glaze)
Food Additive Code: E904 | Standard Classification: OIC/SMIIC 1:2019
1. Technical Overview & Food Applications
Harvested from tree branches where lac insects secrete protective resin. The primary Halal compliance issues involve insect inclusion during raw scraping and high concentrations of ethyl alcohol used during solvent purification.
Primary Food Applications: Candy shine (jelly beans, chocolate balls), whole citrus fruit wax coating, vitamin pills.
2. Halal Compliance & Critical Non-Conformance Vectors
Hidden Biological & Solvent Risks
Resinous excretion of the female lac bug (Kerria lacca); extraction using ethyl alcohol
Approved Halal Alternatives
Carnauba Wax (E903), Candelilla Wax (E902), Zein (Corn protein coating)
3. Scientific Auditing & Testing Protocol
| Audit Metric | Circle H Food Verification Specification |
|---|---|
| International Standard Verdict | Subject to juristic insect excretion debate; ethanol solvent must not exceed 0.5% residue |
| Laboratory Testing Protocol | Headspace Gas Chromatography (GC) for residual ethanol & insect matter filtration audit |
| Chain of Custody & Abattoir Audit | 100% verified Islamic slaughter (*Dhabihah*) traceability for ruminant derivatives; complete avoidance of porcine slaughterhouse co-products. |
| Cross-Contamination & Solvent Limits | Strict limit on residual ethanol in finished food (<0.5% or <0.1% per national standards); verified non-alcoholic flavor carriers. |
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