What is Parowax, What's Cooking America PDF Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - Paraffin Wax and how it is used in food
You probably have food products in your kitchen, but you don't know it.It is possible to make fruits, vegetables, and candy look shiny by using paraffin wax.Paraffin wax can be used in a variety of applications.Paraffin wax can be used as a wrapper on hard cheeses.The U.S. Department of Agriculture does not recommend the use of paraffin as a sealant.
Food grade paraffin wax can be eaten.It is made of vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, and synthetic resins and has no nutrition value.The scented variety sold for candle-making and beauty treatments should never be eaten.
It is possible to use paraffin wax with chocolate for both functional and cosmetic purposes.Adding wax to melted chocolate gives it a glossy finish.The chocolate stays solid at room temperature.Some brands of candy bars contain paraffin to keep them from melting in your hand.It is used in ice cream and chocolate-Dipped cookies.
For treats that are popular during the holiday season, such as chocolate-covered cherry mice, it's a good idea to use paraffin wax.
Fruits and vegetables may be sprayed with paraffin wax to make them more appealing.It helps prolong the shelf life.Some fruits, such as apples, have a natural wax which can be washed away with water and a little gentle rubbing, but additional synthetic wax can make it more difficult to remove.A quick soak in water made it easier to wipe the wax away.
Fruit producers can't use wax made from oil.They can use some forms of naturally derived wax, such as carnauba, and still be compliant with the organic designation.
Paraffin wax is used to coat cured sausage links to give them a shine.It's not surprising that the novelty candy shaped wax lips, mustaches, and miniature soda bottles are filled with paraffin.