Fatal Conveniences™: Apeel

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Have you ever heard of Apeel before? Whether you have or haven’t, You may have already eaten a piece of fruit at some point that was covered in it. 

Apeel is a plant-based coating or ‘peel’ that helps produce stay fresh for longer by slowing water loss, preventing oxidation and protecting against environmental stress, which are the primary causes of food spoilage. It uses a microscopic amount of Monoglycerides and Diglycerides, which are naturally found in fruits and vegetables, to create a breathable extra layer that keeps moisture inside the produce while keeping oxygen out.

While these glycerides can be extracted from any fruit or vegetable, Apeel extracts them from widely grown plant oils that are passed through a purifying process to remove allergens, impurities and trans fats. Apeel claims that it only uses plant oils from non-GMO and sustainably grown sources. 

So, what’s the issue? Find out in this episode of Fatal Conveniences™.

References:

https://www.evansvanodine.co.uk/assets/eng_apeel.pdf?

Apeel Sciences. (2022). Apeel. Retrieved from https://www.apeel.com/

Epic Water Filters USA. (2023). Is Apeel Safe? Retrieved from https://www.epicwaterfilters.com/blogs/quick-drips/is-apeel-safe

Frank, J. (2021). Mono and Diglycerides in Food Products. Retrieved from PROSPECTOR Knowledge Center: https://www.ulprospector.com/knowledge/511/mono-diglycerides-2/

Huizen, J. (2018). What are monoglycerides and are they safe? Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321912

Nelson, C. (2022). Environmentally-Friendly Cooking Oils: The Best and Worst Options. Retrieved from Zero Acre: https://www.zeroacre.com/blog/sustainable-cooking-oils

Tatum, M. (2023). Everything you need to know about Apeel. Retrieved from Wicked Leeks: https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-apeel/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1505#:~:text=184.1505%20Mono%2D%20and%20diglycerides.,are%20derived%20from%20edible%20sources.

Vandergriendt, C. (2017). What Are Monoglycerides and Are They Safe to Consume? Retrieved from healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/monoglycerides#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20FDA%2C%20mono,the%20manufacturing%20process%20is%20satisfactory.