In the quest to combat food waste and extend the shelf life of produce, a product called Apeel has emerged.
Apeel is a sprayable coating (that penetrates through the peel/skin) that provides spoilage protection and prevents fruits and vegetables from losing moisture.
Apeel is made from proprietary chemicals, including mono- and diglycerides, which are classified as emulsifiers and contain trans fats.
There are concerns about Apeel's safety and potential health effects due to the conversion of mono- and diglycerides into harmful triglycerides.
Elevated triglyceride levels lead to an increased risk of heart disease, pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, and several metabolic syndromes.
Apeel also contains trans fats. As a food additive, they aren't subject to trans-fat labelling requirements, making it difficult to know the exact trans-fat content.
Trans-fats affect your cholesterol levels, increase the risk of heart diseases, impair the function of blood vessels, and can cause developmental issues in children.
Apeel is endorsed by prominent organizations like the Gates Foundation, the World Economic Forum, The Rockefeller Foundation, etc., and has received over $719 million in funding from them.
As consumers become increasingly conscious of the choices they make and demand transparency in the food they consume, it is crucial to examine the fine print.