E905D – Mineral oil, high viscosity
Glazing agentDescription
Technical Description
Notes
## E905D - Petroleum Jelly (Petrolatum) **Petroleum jelly**, also known as **petrolatum**, is a semi-solid mixture of **hydrocarbons** derived from **petroleum** (crude oil). It's created through a refining process where crude oil is distilled and the heavier hydrocarbon fractions are collected, purified, and processed into the familiar clear, gel-like substance. The food-grade version undergoes additional purification to remove any impurities and meet strict safety standards. In food applications, E905D serves as a **glazing agent** and **release agent**. You might find it used to create shiny surfaces on confectionery, as a coating to prevent moisture loss, or as a release agent in food processing equipment to prevent sticking. It's also sometimes used in food packaging materials. However, it's not commonly found in everyday consumer foods and is more often used in industrial food processing. This is a **synthetic additive** derived from fossil fuels, making it **suitable for vegetarians and vegans** from an animal welfare perspective, though some may choose to avoid it for environmental reasons. While approved for food use in regulated amounts, many consumers prefer to avoid petroleum-derived ingredients when possible. Food-grade petroleum jelly undergoes rigorous purification and testing to ensure it meets safety standards for food contact applications.