The Dangers Of Apeel (What is that?)

Not long ago, Dr. Lantelme forwarded a message to some of us that focused on exposing the danger of a relatively new food preservation technology called “Apeel.”

Mind you, it’s not incredibly new, but chances are that you’re probably eating it but don’t know much about it - or that it’s even on your food.

If Apeel were entirely harmless, there’d be no need to write an article on it.

Sadly, I don’t believe it is harmless.

Today, I’ll provide some context around the danger of Apeel, some ideas on how to neutralize it if you encounter it, and even ways to get it banned.

What is Apeel, and Why Does It Pose a Risk to Humans??

Apeel is a food technology developed by Apeel Sciences and was supported financially by Bill Gates through investments from their questionably motivated “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”

They made it to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.

This technology involves applying a specially formulated coating to fruits and vegetables. The coating uses plant-based materials, mainly lipid compounds like mono- and diglycerides.

In theory, this is supposed to be an edible barrier that slows down water loss and oxidation.

While this barrier does help keep produce fresh for longer periods by preserving moisture and preventing oxygen deterioration, it has some drawbacks.

The primary concerns with Apeel involve the presence of processing agents, heavy metals used in its Production, and trace amounts of trans fats.

When the grocery collective adopted it (I don’t know what else to call them), these concerns were glossed over. 

Part of that comes down to how many people perceive it as natural. The coating is touted as natural, featuring a mere 0.66% citric acid. Yet, the undisclosed 99.34% formula is where many of us express our concerns.

Typically, if a company doesn’t tell you what the rest of the ingredients are, it’s hiding something. 

1 - It’s Made Of Trans Fats:

Investigators have identified monoacylglycerols, a subset of fatty acids—AKA trans fats—in Apeel. We know that even the FDA has recognized trans fats as hazardous to health and has even banned their use in food. However, the loophole is that they’ve categorized mono- and diglycerides as “emulsifiers”  rather than fats, which is how they can get away with using them on food.

Now, you’d have to eat a lot of Apeel to get a significant amount of trans fat into your body, but remember, research links them to a heightened risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

I’d say if you don’t have to eat trans fats, why would you?

2 - It’s Made with Nasty Chemicals + Heavy Metals:

While trans fats are an issue, the way they produce Apeel is also problematic.

They use industrial solvents such as ethyl acetate and heptane to convert grapeseed oil (which is what it is made of) into mono- and diglycerides.

While effective, this procedure leaves residual traces of heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and palladium, embedded within the coating.

Though the amounts are minimal, health experts question the safety of any level of heavy metal exposure, particularly given the cumulative effect these toxins can have on the human body over time.

Conditions including Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, multiple sclerosis, kidney dysfunction, anemia, and inflammation are among the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to heavy metals.

While Apeel's FDA documentation reassures the general safety of grape-seed-oil-derived mono- and diglycerides, notable gaps exist in research specific to the long-term health effects of Apeel-coated produce.

With no conclusive studies on the direct human or environmental impact, the rush to market these products globally, now adopted in over 65 countries, is premature.

As consumers and experts voice their concerns, a call to action has emerged. Avoiding Apeel-coated products is advisable, with a preference for organically farmed produce and support for local farmers who prioritize transparency and sustainability. Understanding proper storage techniques can also help maximize the natural shelf life of fresh produce without relying on artificial coatings.

One of the leading “natural grocers” in America, Natural Grocers, has said in no uncertain terms they don't trust Apeel.

They write:

“Our conclusion: Produce sprayed with this mysterious coating leaves us with unnecessary exposure to the ingredients themselves (which still haven’t been made clear) and to the by-products of their processing. Fruits and vegetables are nutritional gems best kept organic. Apeel and Organipeel do not meet our high standards, therefore, you will never find produce coated with it at any of our stores.”

Because it’s so ubiquitous now and poses a major concern, I think it’s time consumers take the issue of opposing Apeel into their own hands.

Fight Apeel?

While it’s great that some grocery stores won’t use Apeel, that’s not true everywhere.

So make your voice heard. 

I suggest you:

• Contact suppliers who use Apeel and tell them to stop.
• Contact grocery stores that sell Apeel-coated produce and tell them you refuse to buy it.
• Contact suppliers and stores that don’t sell Apeel-coated products and encourage them to avoid it.
• Sign the petition to have Apeel banned until more research is done. (click here)

Advocacy is crucial because, with it, companies understand you care about an issue.

We’ve had to do that here to help with medical freedom, and it’s an ongoing effort anywhere and everywhere. Engaging with local grocery stores, suppliers, and policymakers about the transparency and safety of food coatings can influence future regulatory decisions and ultimately remove a dangerous product from the market.

If I were you, I’d say no to Apeel if you can.