Over the last few months we have received many questions about the new fresh produce coating called Apeel, a chemical preservative promoted as a way to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic produce. We confirm that Good Earth Markets will not sell produce coated with Apeel. Since 1973 we have taken great pride in providing the communities we serve with access to natural products that are better for you. We affirm our commitment to carry only 100% natural organic produce, the safest and most nutritious category of food this good earth has to offer.
3 Reasons Why We Reject Apeel
1. Apeel isn’t natural. Apeel is a coating that is applied to fresh produce in order to extend its shelf life and it does not rinse off. The vague ingredient list shared online shows less than 1% citric acid and over 99% as “other ingredients.” While the producer of Apeel has disclosed that it contains “monoglycerides and diglycerides” which are naturally occurring in plants, independent watchdog groups claim that the formula may contain harmful ingredients, including toxic heavy metals. Simply put, the shroud of secrecy maintained by the makers of Apeel paired with their increasing public relations efforts to hide any negative press raises enough concern for us to simply say no.
2. Apeel isn’t necessary. The makers of Apeel claim that it extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by up to twice the expected length, potentially reducing tens of millions of pounds of food waste annually. Good Earth Markets takes great care to stock only what we believe we can sell, and we are constantly rotating and refreshing our produce throughout the day. We are able to satisfactorily extend shelf life using safe and natural methods. Produce that is no longer fit to be sold is repackaged and made available to customers to feed to their bunnies and chickens.
3. Apeel costs more. Produce coated with Apeel is actually more expensive than the same uncoated produce items. It is ludicrous for us to entertain the idea of passing increased costs to our customers by sourcing produce coated with an unnatural and potentially toxic preservative they don’t want in the first place. Instead, we work tirelessly to source the most affordable organically grown produce available from local, regional, and other outstanding organic farms. This is better for the economy, better for the earth, and better for you.
You Can Make a Difference
We applaud the efforts of individuals and companies working to educate and advocate for transparency in our food supply. We believe that consumers need access to the highest-quality foods and supplements available, and we are committed to providing a place where you can easily and confidently find fresh, natural, and healthy options. We invite concerned consumers to contact retailers as well as legislators and governments, urging them to reject unsafe and capitalist adulteration of the public food supply and support local, organic, and natural food producers and resellers everywhere.
