Question:
Which is NOT correct about ‘Shellac coating” which is generally used for increasing the shelf life of vegetables?
Which is NOT correct about ‘Shellac coating” which is generally used for increasing the shelf life of vegetables?
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Shellac is a versatile natural resin. Because of its excellent compatibility with waxes, it is commonly used in commercial wax-emulsion formulations to give apples and citrus fruits a bright, appealing gloss.
Updated On: Aug 7, 2026
- Shellac is a resin secreted by the insect
- Shellac is composed of aleuritic and shelloic acids
- Shellac is incompatible with waxes
- Shellac is permitted as an indirect food additive
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Post-harvest edible coatings, such as waxes and resins, are applied to fruits and vegetables to reduce transpiration (water loss), slow down respiration, and extend overall shelf life.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement concerning Shellac coating:
Secreted by insect: Shellac is a natural, refined resin secreted by the female lac insect, Kerria lacca, mostly found on host trees in India and Thailand. Thus, statement (A) is correct.
Chemical Composition: Chemically, shellac is a natural polyester macromolecule composed of hydroxy fatty acids (such as aleuritic acid) and sesquiterpene acids (such as shelloic acid). Thus, statement (B) is correct.
Compatibility with waxes: Shellac is highly compatible with natural waxes (like carnauba, candelilla, or beeswax).
In post-harvest technology, shellac is frequently blended with these waxes to improve the coating's elasticity, moisture barrier properties, and surface gloss.
Therefore, stating that it is incompatible with waxes is incorrect. Thus, statement (C) is NOT correct.
Indirect Food Additive: Shellac has been approved by the USFDA and other international food safety organizations as a safe, indirect food additive and glazing agent (E number E904). Thus, statement (D) is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Since shellac is compatible with waxes, statement (C) is the incorrect claim and the correct choice.
Post-harvest edible coatings, such as waxes and resins, are applied to fruits and vegetables to reduce transpiration (water loss), slow down respiration, and extend overall shelf life.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement concerning Shellac coating:
Secreted by insect: Shellac is a natural, refined resin secreted by the female lac insect, Kerria lacca, mostly found on host trees in India and Thailand. Thus, statement (A) is correct.
Chemical Composition: Chemically, shellac is a natural polyester macromolecule composed of hydroxy fatty acids (such as aleuritic acid) and sesquiterpene acids (such as shelloic acid). Thus, statement (B) is correct.
Compatibility with waxes: Shellac is highly compatible with natural waxes (like carnauba, candelilla, or beeswax).
In post-harvest technology, shellac is frequently blended with these waxes to improve the coating's elasticity, moisture barrier properties, and surface gloss.
Therefore, stating that it is incompatible with waxes is incorrect. Thus, statement (C) is NOT correct.
Indirect Food Additive: Shellac has been approved by the USFDA and other international food safety organizations as a safe, indirect food additive and glazing agent (E number E904). Thus, statement (D) is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Since shellac is compatible with waxes, statement (C) is the incorrect claim and the correct choice.
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