(not vegan) E904 is the food additive number for Shellac, a resin excreted by the female lac bug. It is used as a glaze for candy (including Jelly Belly jellybeans) as well as pills, and as a coating on citrus fruit and apples to prolong shelf-life. When you see an “E-number” like E904, it refers to an ingredient that has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive.
