Shellac
E904
E904, shellac, bleached shellac, goma laca, laca blanqueada
What it is
A purified and bleached lac resin secreted by the female insect Laccifer lacca.
Why BOTIA flags it
Glazing agent of direct insect origin — non-vegan and subject to religious dietary review.
BOTIA CAN
- Identify E904 or Shellac on ingredient lists.
- Alert vegan, vegetarian, and Muslim consumers of its insect origin.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine whether the shellac used is wax-free or contains up to 5.5% wax.
- Confirm if treated with unapproved bleaching agents during purification.