WTH? Bill Gates food coating gets Organic Approval

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Apeel Coating on Organic Foods: Controversy and Regulatory Loopholes

A plant-based produce coating called Apeel, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has stirred controversy for its approval on organic foods in the U.S. Despite containing mono- and diglycerides—compounds explicitly banned as coatings in organic production by the USDA—Apeel has been greenlit through what critics call a regulatory loophole. Here’s a look at the criticisms surrounding Apeel’s use and the questions it raises about organic certification standards.

A Regulatory Workaround

Apeel, developed by Apeel Sciences, is marketed as a sustainable solution to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by slowing spoilage. However, its approval for organic foods hinges on its classification as a fungicide rather than a coating. The USDA’s National Organic Program permits mono- and diglycerides for specific uses, such as drum drying, but explicitly prohibits them as coatings on organic produce. By securing approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a pesticide (fungicide), Apeel sidesteps stricter organic coating regulations, allowing its use on certified organic produce.

Critics argue this workaround undermines the integrity of organic standards. Consumers expecting “clean” organic foods may unknowingly purchase produce treated with a coating that violates USDA rules for organic certification. The lack of transparency in this approval process has fueled public skepticism, with many questioning why Apeel wasn’t evaluated as a coating if it’s deemed safe for organic use.

Health and Residue Concerns

Public discourse, particularly on platforms like X, has amplified concerns about potential health risks from Apeel-treated produce. Critics claim the coating may leave behind residues of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and palladium, which could accumulate on fruits and vegetables. Some posts on X assert that Apeel cannot be washed off, raising fears about long-term exposure to these compounds. However, no definitive studies or regulatory findings confirm significant health risks from Apeel residues at approved levels, leaving these claims largely speculative.

The absence of conclusive evidence hasn’t quelled distrust, especially given Apeel’s high-profile investors, including Bill Gates. For many, the involvement of such figures, combined with the coating’s opaque approval process, casts doubt on its safety and alignment with organic principles.

Broader Implications

Apeel’s approval highlights gaps in the regulatory framework governing organic foods. The USDA has not publicly addressed allegations of a loophole, and Apeel remains approved for organic use as of the latest updates. This situation underscores the tension between innovation in food preservation and consumer expectations for transparency and purity in organic products.

While Apeel Sciences promotes its coating as a plant-based, environmentally friendly solution, the controversy surrounding its organic approval raises critical questions. Are consumers being misled about the “clean” nature of organic produce? And if Apeel is safe, why rely on a fungicide classification to bypass coating regulations? Until these concerns are addressed, Apeel’s place in the organic market will likely remain contentious.

Note: Claims about health risks and residues lack primary evidence and should be approached cautiously. For the latest on Apeel’s status, check updates from the USDA or EPA.