Do Organic Foods Use Apeel? Unpacking the Controversial Produce Coating

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

In the United States, organic certifiers have approved Apeel's Organipeel product for use on organic produce, leading to consumer controversy. While touted for reducing food waste, the plant-based coating has raised questions about transparency and ingredient disclosure within the organic food community. Consumers and retailers are now pushing for clearer labeling and greater accountability regarding Apeel's application on organic items.

Quick Summary

Apeel's Organipeel coating can be used on certain USDA-certified organic produce, a practice that has caused concern among some consumers and advocacy groups. The controversy stems from concerns over transparency regarding ingredients and potential health effects, despite FDA approval. Retailer policies on selling Apeel-treated organic produce vary widely, giving rise to questions about how to avoid it. The use of this coating highlights a tension between modern food-preservation technology and traditional organic integrity.

Key Points

Organic Foods Can Use Apeel: A product called Organipeel is approved by U.S. organic certifiers for use on USDA-certified organic produce.
Controversy Over Transparency: Critics and consumer advocacy groups like the Cornucopia Institute argue that Apeel's proprietary formula lacks full ingredient transparency, which clashes with organic principles.
Varying Retailer Policies: While some large retailers carry Apeel-coated produce, many co-ops, specialty stores, and local farmers markets have committed to avoiding it.
Ineffective Washing: The Apeel coating is designed to integrate with the produce's surface and cannot be completely washed off, a major concern for those who eat the skin.
How to Avoid Apeel: To ensure you are buying untreated organic produce, check retailer policies, support local farmers, and look for clear 'Apeel-free' labeling.
Organic Integrity at Risk: The use of industrial-scale coatings on organic food raises questions about whether the organic label is being diluted for corporate interests over consumer trust.

Apeel's Application on Organic Produce: The Regulatory Landscape

Yes, organic foods can and do use Apeel, specifically a product called Organipeel. The controversy arises from the fact that a product is being applied to organic items, which many consumers assume are untouched or minimally processed after harvest. Apeel Sciences developed Organipeel as an edible, plant-based coating to extend the shelf life of fresh produce by slowing down water loss and oxidation. In the U.S., the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) lists Organipeel for use in 'post-harvest handling of raw agricultural commodities,' allowing it to be used on USDA-certified organic produce. The European Union has stricter regulations regarding certain Apeel ingredients, disallowing it for organic produce in Britain, for example.

The approval process has been criticized by some advocacy groups, such as the Cornucopia Institute, which points out that Organipeel was initially approved primarily for its citric acid component, a permitted non-synthetic substance, rather than for its main function as a coating. This regulatory nuance allows the product, which is mostly composed of plant-based mono- and diglycerides, to be used in organic food without disclosing the full formulation on consumer packaging. For many, this practice undermines the core principle of transparency that is fundamental to the organic label.

Concerns and Controversies Surrounding Apeel on Organic Produce

Despite Apeel's marketing as a safe, plant-based solution for food waste, several concerns have been raised by consumers and organizations.

Lack of Ingredient Transparency: While Apeel discloses that its coatings are made from plant-based mono- and diglycerides, it has faced criticism for not fully revealing all ingredients due to 'proprietary' reasons. This leaves sensitive individuals, such as those with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) or severe food allergies, worried about potential reactions.
Processing and Contaminants: Apeel's FDA GRAS notice, as cited by Isabel Smith Nutrition, once indicated potential residues of substances like ethyl acetate and palladium from the manufacturing process, though below regulatory limits. Apeel has since stated it no longer uses solvents like heptane or ethyl acetate, claiming their current process uses heat and vacuum to purify ingredients. Still, questions remain regarding full transparency and potential trace elements.
Washability and Bioavailability: Apeel is designed to be an integral part of the produce's surface and is not easily washed off completely. The company states that scrubbing with water can remove some of the coating, but not all. For produce with edible peels, like organic apples or cucumbers, this means the consumer ingests the coating along with the skin. The long-term health implications of regular ingestion, especially for those with inflammatory conditions, are largely unknown.
Dilution of Organic Standards: The ability to add a processed coating like Organipeel to organic produce challenges the traditional organic ethos of 'pure' and minimally handled food. Some critics argue this corporate practice prioritizes industrial scale and profit over the integrity of the organic label.

Comparison of Organic Produce With and Without Apeel


Feature	Organic Produce with Apeel	Organic Produce without Apeel
Shelf Life	Significantly extended, potentially doubling freshness.	Typically shorter shelf life; freshness depends on harvest date and transport.
Appearance	Often appears fresh, firm, and blemish-free for longer periods.	May show signs of natural aging, blemishes, or spoilage more quickly.
Composition	Features an invisible, edible plant-based coating of mono- and diglycerides.	Coated only with natural, non-synthetic substances or not coated at all.
Regulatory Status	Approved for use on USDA-certified organic products in the U.S. and other countries.	Complies with organic standards without the use of coatings like Apeel.
Transparency	Ingredient details are obscured by proprietary information and regulatory loopholes.	Adheres to strict transparency, with all materials used disclosed on product labels.
Retailer Availability	Carried by certain large-scale retailers and distributors.	Available at many co-ops, specialty grocers, and local farmers' markets.

How to Find Organic Produce without Apeel

For consumers who wish to avoid Apeel-coated products, proactive steps are necessary. Several grocery chains and distributors have publicly committed to not stocking produce treated with Apeel, including Natural Grocers, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and others. Buying directly from local, small-scale farmers at markets or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs is another reliable method, as these growers are less likely to use commercial coatings. Additionally, look for specific signage from your retailer and consider purchasing frozen organic fruits and vegetables, which are not treated with Apeel coatings.

If you encounter Apeel-coated produce, peeling items like avocados and citrus fruit can reduce exposure, but this is not effective for produce with edible skins. You can also contact your local grocery store's produce department and express your preference for uncoated organic items. Empowering yourself with information and supporting businesses that prioritize radical transparency is key to navigating this new aspect of the organic food market.

Conclusion

The question of "Do organic foods use Apeel?" is complex, with a resounding "yes" that comes with a significant amount of controversy. While Apeel's Organipeel is approved for use on USDA-certified organic produce, concerns about ingredient transparency, manufacturing processes, and the integrity of the organic label persist. The debate highlights a fundamental clash between industrial-scale solutions for food waste and the consumer expectation of minimal processing associated with organic foods. Shoppers must remain vigilant, rely on transparent retailers and local growers, and advocate for clearer labeling to make informed decisions for their families. Ultimately, navigating the modern organic food system requires more than simply checking for the USDA seal; it demands a deeper understanding of new technologies and where to find truly untreated produce.

Apeel is a technology that, with its organic counterpart Organipeel, is used to extend the shelf life of produce. However, its application on certified organic products has sparked considerable debate and consumer concern regarding ingredient transparency and the evolving standards of organic food. Retailer policies on using Apeel vary, and some companies have committed to being Apeel-free. Navigating this issue requires active consumer awareness and supporting transparent sourcing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, organic produce can have coatings. Certified organic standards permit certain non-synthetic and approved substances to be used as post-harvest treatments, such as Apeel's Organipeel.

In the U.S., when produce is sold individually, it might have an Apeel sticker. When sold in bulk, retailers are required to place a counter card or label on the container disclosing the coating, but this is not always clearly visible or enforced. Your best bet is to ask your store's produce department directly.

Apeel is most commonly found on organic avocados, apples, citrus fruits (lemons, limes), and English cucumbers, but it can be applied to other produce as well.

Apeel is designed to be an edible part of the produce and cannot be completely washed off. While scrubbing can remove some of the coating, a significant portion remains on the edible parts of the fruit or vegetable.

Apeel has been designated as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA. However, some consumer advocacy groups and individuals have raised concerns about the lack of full ingredient transparency and potential health effects, particularly for sensitive individuals.

According to Apeel Sciences, the coating is tasteless and odorless and does not alter the flavor or aroma of the produce. The intent is to maintain the fruit's peak flavor for a longer period by preserving its moisture.

Several retailers have publicly stated they do not carry Apeel-treated produce, including Natural Grocers, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and some co-ops like New Pioneer and Fresh Thyme.