Grocery shopping can be unnecessarily complicated and things like Apeel take it up a notch. If you’re not familiar, Apeel is a plant-based coating – which is odorless, tasteless and clear – that is applied to certain produce to increase its shelf life. Organipeel was recently approved by the USDA for use on certified organic fruits and vegetables, too.
So, why does this matter and should this be of concern? Transparency!! Apeel Sciences, which manufactures Apeel and Organipeel, will not disclose its full ingredients and you may find this coating on produce like avocados, limes, lemons, grapefruits, mandarins and oranges. We have enough to worry about when it comes to pesticides, so why do we need another coating on our fruits and vegetables?! We don’t!!
While the vast majority of grocery store product may not be treated with Apeel (yet!) and thankfully many retailers and farms vow now not to use Apeel, this is another reminder for us, as consumers, to shop more carefully and look for the Apeel sticker to be doubly sure our produce does not contain this coating.
How can you shop smarter? Start by reviewing this list from My Health Forward to see which retailers/farms have publicly stated they do not carry any produce treated with Apeel.
In addition, pay attention should you find any organic produce’s code that now starts with the number 6, instead of the typical 9. Why? This, per Moms Across America, is an indicator that it’s likely coated with Apeel.
So, here’s to shopping more carefully, asking questions and voting with our wallet for local and bigger farms that provide transparent, delicious produce.
Living Cleaner, Easier & Safer 