E905B – Petroleum jelly
Glazing agentDescription
A mixture of mineral oils, paraffin, and microcrystalline waxes
Notes
Mineral oil heavy is a petroleum-based product that's thicker and more viscous than its "light" counterpart, created through the same basic refining process that starts with crude oil. During petroleum refining, different weight fractions are separated, and the heavier components undergo extensive purification to remove impurities and create a mixture of mineral oils, paraffins, and waxes. This mixture has a consistency somewhere between liquid mineral oil and solid wax, making it particularly useful for coating applications where you need something that won't easily drip off. As a glazing agent, mineral oil heavy creates a protective, moisture-resistant coating on foods while providing an attractive shine. It's commonly used on fresh produce like fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life and enhance appearance – that glossy look on some apples, citrus fruits, or root vegetables often comes from this type of coating. You might also find it used in some confectionery applications and as a coating for certain processed foods where moisture protection is important. Like other mineral oil products, this is a synthetic additive derived from petroleum that's suitable for vegetarians and vegans since it contains no animal-derived ingredients. It meets food-grade purity standards and is considered safe by food regulatory authorities because the highly refined product passes through the digestive system largely unabsorbed. It's generally acceptable under halal and kosher dietary laws. However, as with all mineral oil products, regulatory agencies limit its use because consuming larger amounts could potentially interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, though the small amounts used in food glazing are well within safe limits.