If you’ve noticed some “organic” produce at Whole Foods now sporting PLU codes that start with a 6 instead of the usual 9, there’s a juicy reason: It may be coated with Apeel—a shelf-life-extending film backed by none other than Bill Gates. And no, it’s not as fresh as it sounds.
What’s Apeel?
It’s a coating that can’t be washed off (yum?) and is designed to keep fruits and veggies looking showroom-fresh for longer. It’s now approved for use on USDA organic produce. Because nothing says “organic” like an invisible film you didn’t ask for and can’t scrub off.
Only 0.7% of Apeel’s ingredients are disclosed, so we’re supposed to just trust the peel, apparently. Meanwhile, independent tests have raised red flags about potential heavy metals in the mix.
Smells a little off, doesn’t it?
So, what do you think—will you be giving this coating the cold shoulder in the produce aisle? Or are you #TeamUnapeeling?