Yes, Apeel is widely considered safe for use on produce, having received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).
This plant-derived protective coating helps extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and maintaining quality. Its safety status is a key factor in its global adoption across various food supply chains.
FDA Approval: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
The primary indicator of Apeel's safety comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has granted Apeel a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) status, signifying that expert consensus, based on scientific procedures, determines it is safe for its intended use in food.
Key aspects of GRAS status include:
- Scientific Consensus: A panel of qualified experts concludes that the substance is safe.
- Public Knowledge: The safety of the substance is widely known and accepted by the scientific community.
- Intended Use: The GRAS determination applies to the specific way the substance is used in food.
This rigorous approval process ensures that substances like Apeel meet high safety standards before being applied to food products available to consumers. You can learn more about FDA's GRAS notification program on their official website.
What is Apeel Made Of?
Apeel is composed of edible plant materials, primarily derived from lipids (fats) and polysaccharides (carbohydrates) found in the peels, seeds, and pulp of fruits and vegetables. These natural components form an invisible, tasteless, and odorless protective layer on produce. This innovative approach leverages nature's own solutions to preserve freshness.
Global Adoption and Application
Apeel is not only approved in the U.S. but is also used on foods in over 65 countries worldwide. Its versatility allows for application both before and after harvest, making it adaptable to different points in the supply chain. Notably, it is also applied to organic produce in the U.S., adhering to organic certification standards.
Here's a quick overview of key facts regarding Apeel's safety and use:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Safety Status | Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) |
| Regulator | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |
| Composition | Edible plant-derived materials (lipids, polysaccharides) |
| Application | Pre-harvest or Post-harvest |
| Global Reach | Used in over 65 countries, including on organic produce in the U.S. |
| Purpose | Extends shelf life, reduces food waste |
How Apeel Works to Preserve Produce
Apeel creates an extra, invisible layer on the surface of fruits and vegetables. This layer works by:
- Reducing Water Loss: It slows down the rate at which produce loses moisture, which is a primary cause of spoilage.
- Controlling Oxidation: It helps regulate the exchange of gases, particularly oxygen, which can cause produce to ripen too quickly and degrade.
By mimicking and enhancing nature's own protective barriers, Apeel keeps produce fresher for longer, leading to less waste in stores and homes. For more detailed information, you can visit Apeel's official website.
Benefits of Apeel
The widespread use and GRAS status of Apeel underscore several significant benefits for both consumers and the environment:
- Reduced Food Waste: By extending shelf life, Apeel helps minimize spoilage from farm to fork, contributing to a substantial reduction in global food waste.
- Fresher Produce: Consumers can enjoy produce that stays fresh longer, retaining its quality, nutritional value, and taste.
- Sustainable Practices: Less food waste translates to a more sustainable food system, conserving resources like water, land, and energy used in food production.
- No Chemical Residue Concerns: As it's made from edible plant materials and has GRAS status, it offers an alternative to other preservation methods with different safety profiles.
In summary, Apeel is deemed safe for use, supported by regulatory approval and its natural, plant-based composition, offering a practical solution to address food waste challenges.
