Apeel and the Organic Debate
Apeel is an edible, plant-based coating developed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce by slowing down water loss and oxidation. While the company's Edipeel product is for conventional produce, a version called Organipeel was developed specifically for use on certified organic items in the U.S..
While this approval allows the use of Apeel's product on organic produce, it has been met with considerable debate within the organic industry and among consumers. The central issues revolve around transparency, the method of certification, and the philosophical alignment of such a technology with the core values of organic farming.
The Official Answer: Yes, But With a Caveat
For products sold as certified organic in the United States, Apeel's Organipeel received approval years ago. Its ingredients, for the organic formulation, include plant-based mono- and diglycerides, citric acid, and baking soda. The mono- and diglycerides are fatty acids derived from plant oils, which are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
However, this certification does not mean the product is universally accepted or used. The fact that the ingredients are highly processed and not fully disclosed has led to pushback, even among some large organic purveyors.
The Controversy Behind Apeel and Organic Certification
Ingredient Transparency Concerns
Perhaps the most significant criticism leveled at Apeel regarding its organic product is the lack of ingredient transparency. While Apeel lists some components, the company does not disclose the full formulation, citing trade secret protections. Critics point out that the EPA pesticide product label for Organipeel lists citric acid (0.66%) but leaves the remaining 99.34% as "other proprietary ingredients". This secrecy runs counter to the spirit of transparency and trust that many consumers expect from organic products.
The "Fungicide" Approval Loophole
The way Apeel's Organipeel was approved for organic use in the U.S. has also drawn fire. It was reportedly registered as a fungicide for "post-harvest handling" by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), not as a post-harvest coating. Critics argue that this was a way to navigate around stricter regulations concerning coatings in organic production. This approach has been perceived as exploiting a loophole rather than adhering to the holistic principles of organic agriculture.
Potential Contaminant Concerns
Some reports, referencing independent testing, have raised concerns about trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, as well as residual petrochemical solvents used in the extraction process. While Apeel claims these are below dangerous levels, the accumulation of these over a lifetime of consumption is a concern for some. It is important to note that Apeel's own representatives and other industry reports have debunked some safety claims as being based on a misidentified cleaning product.
Comparing Apeel on Conventional and Organic Produce
| Feature | Conventional Produce (Edipeel) | Organic Produce (Organipeel) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Plant-based mono- and diglycerides | Plant-based mono- and diglycerides, citric acid, baking soda |
| Shelf Life Extension | Reinforces natural barrier, slowing water loss and oxidation | Provides a similar protective barrier to extend freshness |
| Ingredient Transparency | Full formulation not disclosed, trade secret | Full formulation not disclosed, majority of ingredients proprietary |
| Certification | Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA | Approved by OMRI, controversially as a fungicide in the U.S. |
| Retailer Stance | Widely used, but also rejected by some retailers | Frequently rejected by organic-focused retailers due to lack of transparency |
| Labeling | Not always labeled, depending on retailer | Not always labeled, leading to consumer uncertainty |
How Apeel Affects Organic Retailers and Consumers
What Retailers Are Doing
Faced with customer inquiries and concerns, many organic retailers and co-ops have taken a firm stance against carrying products treated with Apeel's Organipeel. For instance, New Pioneer Food Co-op and Happy Dirt have publicly stated their decision to not knowingly stock Apeel-coated organic produce, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and ingredient integrity. They often survey their suppliers and communicate their preferences to ensure they only receive untreated goods.
The Lack of Labeling and Consumer Choice
One of the biggest obstacles for consumers is the lack of mandatory labeling. Shoppers often cannot know if a loose fruit or vegetable has been treated with Apeel, undermining their ability to make informed decisions. A proposed "Apeel Reveal Act" in the past aimed to address this by requiring a specific label. Without clear disclosure, consumers are left to rely on the stated policies of their local grocers or market stands. Some people suggest checking the PLU codes, but this method is not always reliable or accurate.
International Regulations
It is also important to note that regulatory standards for organic produce coatings vary by country. In the UK, for example, the ingredient E471 (mono- and diglycerides) is not permitted under Soil Association organic regulations, meaning Apeel cannot be used on organic produce there. This illustrates how different international organic certification bodies interpret and regulate such technologies.
The Future of Edible Coatings in Organic Farming
The organic farming community continues to grapple with the role of modern technologies like Apeel. While the goal of reducing food waste is commendable, the methods used to achieve it must align with the foundational principles of organic production. The ongoing debate highlights a tension between adopting innovations and maintaining transparency and natural integrity.
Moving forward, there will likely be increased scrutiny on post-harvest treatments, with greater demand for both efficacy and full ingredient disclosure. Consumers and retailers will continue to play a crucial role in pushing for clearer labeling and holding producers accountable for the products they use. For now, the decision of whether to use Apeel on organic produce remains complex and contentious.
Conclusion
Yes, a version of Apeel called Organipeel can be and has been used on certified organic produce in the U.S.. However, this is far from a universally accepted practice within the organic community. The lack of full ingredient transparency and the controversial certification process have prompted many conscientious retailers and growers to reject its use. This leaves consumers to navigate a landscape with inconsistent labeling and a lack of clear information, making it essential to understand the ongoing debate and the varying stances of different stores and certification bodies.
For consumers who wish to avoid Apeel-treated organic products, the best strategies include supporting local farmers markets, patronizing retailers with clear anti-Apeel policies, and asking questions at the grocery store. This issue is a clear example of the complexities that arise when industrial-scale food technology intersects with the high standards and core philosophies of organic agriculture.
