> Has anyone actually looked into that issue? I would think there are two issues at play: do spores survive the heat of rendering?

I was going to keep silent on this, but fact is: I worked at the Knorr Beeswax Factory in the 1970s. I personally cranked out 1000# of beeswax foundation on a good day. The wax was highly refined, with all impurities removed using a commercial filter press. I doubt spores would get through that process, but the wax was heated over 200°F water and kept liquid in tanks for days. 

From what I read, ten minutes at 200°F will kill the spores. I have never heard of disease being transmitted by processed wax, and I seriously doubt that it happens. But I have zero proof of that. I have used plastic foundations for decades and always bought it pre-waxed, never even occurred to me to wax it myself. During a good flow, bees will build comb on unwaxed plastic, of course. 

PLB

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