ShopRite and Apeel: The Official Stance
On July 1, 2020, Wakefern Food Corp., the retail cooperative that includes ShopRite, issued a press release announcing a partnership with Apeel. The announcement specified that Apeel’s longer-lasting limes would be available in Wakefern's banner brands, including ShopRite stores. Apeel is a plant-based coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce by creating an edible, extra layer that slows water loss and oxidation. While this announcement marked the initial entry of Apeel-coated produce into ShopRite's supply chain, the store's current practices provide a clearer picture for modern shoppers.
ShopRite's Own Brands and Warehouse Produce
According to a June 2024 Facebook post from ShopRite's official page, the retailer has provided greater clarity on its use of Apeel. The statement indicated that produce sold under their own private labels—specifically ShopRite Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry—is not treated with Apeel. Furthermore, any national brand produce coming directly through the Wakefern warehouse is also reported to not use Apeel technology. This means that for a significant portion of the produce sold in ShopRite stores, consumers can be assured that it is free from the Apeel coating.
However, the policy is not absolute. ShopRite's statement also noted that items sold at the store level that do not come through the Wakefern warehouse and are from outside suppliers may use Apeel. For these specific items, the retailer expects the supplier to affix the proper Apeel label, though this can be inconsistent. Consumers can, and are encouraged to, ask their local store's Produce Manager for more information on specific products.
How to Identify Apeel-Coated Produce
Identifying whether an item has been treated with Apeel can be challenging due to inconsistent labeling practices. While Apeel states that its products are labeled, and U.S. law requires disclosure for post-harvest coatings, this information may not be immediately obvious.
Here are some steps consumers can take to identify potential Apeel coatings:
- Look for Apeel Stickers or Packaging Labels: Some produce items will have a small, discrete Apeel sticker, while pre-packaged items may disclose the coating on the label.
- Check for Counter Cards: For bulk, non-packaged produce, retailers are supposed to provide a counter card disclosing the use of any coatings, including Apeel.
- Inquire with Store Staff: If unsure, ask the produce manager or a store employee. As indicated by ShopRite's own guidance, this is a valid step.
- Know the Common Items: Be aware that Apeel is most commonly used on produce with a sturdy peel that is not typically eaten. These include avocados, limes, lemons, oranges, and apples.
- Wash Thoroughly: While not a way to identify, a warm water wash and gentle scrubbing can help remove the coating, though its complete removal is debated by some.
The Apeel Controversy and Alternatives
Apeel has faced its share of controversy, primarily driven by a lack of transparency and concerns over proprietary ingredients used in the manufacturing process. Some of these concerns include potential allergen risks from unlisted ingredients and the use of solvents during extraction. Apeel has defended its safety, stating the ingredients are plant-based and the final products are tested for contaminants. However, the controversy highlights a broader consumer push for greater transparency in the food supply chain.
For shoppers actively seeking to avoid produce coatings, there are alternatives to consider:
- Shop Organic and Local: Choose organic produce when possible, though some versions of Apeel (Organipeel) have been approved for organic use in the past. Buying directly from local farms or farmers' markets is another way to ensure you know the sourcing.
- Support Apeel-Free Retailers: Some grocery chains, like Natural Grocers and Wegman's, have publicly stated policies against carrying Apeel-coated produce.
- Grow Your Own: For the most control over what is used on your food, growing your own fruits and vegetables is the best option.
Comparison of Apeel-Coated vs. Non-Apeel Produce
| Feature | Apeel-Coated Produce | Non-Apeel Produce |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf Life | Significantly extended, up to 2-3 times longer. | Standard shelf life, spoilage occurs more quickly. |
| Sourcing | Often from large-scale distributors; requires manufacturer collaboration. | Can be sourced locally or regionally, with potentially shorter supply chains. |
| Labeling | Can be inconsistent; may feature an Apeel sticker or be listed on packaging. | May use traditional food-grade waxes (often labeled) or no coating. |
| Consumer Concerns | Transparency issues, proprietary ingredients, extraction process. | Generally less controversial, though conventional produce may use other waxes/pesticides. |
| Availability | Dependent on supplier and specific products requested by retailer. | Can vary by seasonality and retailer's procurement standards. |
Conclusion
While ShopRite initially partnered with Apeel for certain items like limes, the retailer's current stance is more nuanced. Shoppers can confidently purchase ShopRite's own Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry branded produce knowing it is free of Apeel. However, since the use of Apeel is determined by the supplier, not the retailer, there is still a possibility that other brands of produce sold in the store may have the coating. The responsibility falls to the consumer to be diligent in checking labels and asking store personnel for clarification. For those wishing to entirely avoid Apeel, seeking out specific items, choosing locally sourced produce, or supporting retailers with firm no-Apeel policies are the most reliable strategies. The ongoing debate around Apeel underscores the increasing consumer demand for transparency regarding food production and preservation methods.
To learn more about how Apeel coatings work directly from the source, you can visit the Apeel Sciences website. www.apeel.com/faqs
