Question: Is Paraffin Wax Safe To Eat?
April 2, 2010
A couple of recipes for chocolate Easter eggs (likes this one: http://www.foodista.com/recipe/TKTM8SLD/fondant-easter-eggs)call for paraffin wax as an ingredient in the coating. Is this safe? What would an alternative be?
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by Anonymous
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Answers
April 14, 2010
In general terms the previous answers are correct, i.e., eating paraffin is safe, but ONLY IN SMALL AMOUNTS.
Eating high quantities of paraffin may lead to "...intestinal obstruction, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and possible constipation". Take a look at MedLine (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002731.htm).
Anyway, I just can´t see anyone eating large amounts of these alkane hydrocarbons (altough I can easly imagine situations of accidental ingestion by kids, for example).
April 3, 2010
One more thing... I've never had any laxative results from eating the candy with chocolate-paraffin coating that I used to make every year.
Oh, and before I ever tried the recipe, I called our local poison control folks to be sure it was okay, and they said that the paraffin would just go right through the digestive system, without any ill effects.
April 2, 2010
Thanks to you all! I'm relieved to know it's safe, though I think maybe I'll avoid it because of the digestive effects Chris mentioned.
April 2, 2010
Totally safe. Not very tasty however. You could try beeswax as a replacement if you are really concerned, but honestly wax is wax. It passes through your system and leaves no traces behind.
April 2, 2010
Yes and is commonly used with chocolate Easter stuff.
April 2, 2010
Yes paraffin wax is safe to eat- you don't digest it however, it has a more laxative effect. Though it won't have the same hardening effect, you could substitute vegetable shortening. It is an ingredient in chewing gum.