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I need to set the record straight about those viral videos claiming Organipeel, created by Apeel, is now coating all your organic produce because it’s completely false, and I accidentally contributed to the misinformation.

In today’s episode, I’m doing something super fun: Admitting I was wrong. 

A few weeks ago, when those viral reels started spreading panic about Organipeel being approved for certified organic produce, people asked me to look into it. 

I did my research, found it registered with the EPA and listed on the OMRI website, and confirmed it was “real.” But I didn’t dig deep enough, and that’s my mistake.

Here’s what I missed: Organipeel was only ever approved as a post-harvest fungicide (not a coating). It was never approved for use on raw produce and was actually discontinued in 2023. The company doesn’t even make it anymore. 

So all that panic about a “new” coating on organic produce? It was based on old, irrelevant information.

But here’s what IS true: There are waxes on your organic produce, and there have been for years. 

I’m also touching on why they’re used to replace the natural wax that gets washed off during processing. If you want truly wax-free produce, you’re going to need to befriend your local farmer.

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

• The Organic Apeel myth breakdown
• What’s actually on your organic produce
• My research mistake
• Getting truly wax-free produce

Myth About Apeel

After doing my brief research on the EPA and OMRI websites, I made two (wrong) assumptions about Organipeel:

1. It was still in use.
2. It was being used as a coating on produce.

Here’s the thing about OMRI: They can have limitations and say something can be used in a specific circumstance. That was the piece I missed.

I noticed my mistake while recording a new lesson for Toxin Free in 3 about pesticides.

OMRI was very clear that Organipeel, which was registered in 2019, could only be used as a post-harvest fungicide. It was NOT approved (and never was approved) to use on raw, certified organic produce as a coating.

Then I found they discontinued Organipeel use completely in 2023. The company doesn’t even make Organipeel anymore! It hasn’t been on the market since 2023.

I didn’t do my due diligence, and I hope you can forgive me!

Spread of Misinformation

So, if Organipeel hasn’t been used in 2023, where has all this information come from that it’s a newly approved pesticide?

This is old news that’s recirculating on the Internet.

I had tons of DMs from people asking me about it, so let’s set the record straight.

• Organipeel was NEVER used as a coating.
• It was ONLY used as a fungicide.
• It was ONLY used post-harvest.
• And it’s not even around anymore.

Why Was Organipeel Discontinued?

Apeel actually wants to make a coating that can be used on certified organic produce. They discontinued Organipeel because they knew it would never be approved for use on produce pre-harvest.

They knew they had to create one that would be approved. Word on the street is they’re in the process of formulating one that can be used on organic produce.

Stay tuned!

What are the Waxes on Organic Produce?

If it’s not Organipeel or Apeel, what are the waxes being used on organic produce?

They are approved certified organic waxes that have been used on organic produce for years, long before Organipeel was a thing.

These are the waxes being used on organic produce today:

• Organic carnauba wax from Brazilian palm plants (most common)
• Beeswax
• Sometimes shellac (yes, insect wax)

When farmers produce crops and wash them to prepare them for transport, the natural wax you’ll find on these fruits is removed. When it goes through production, it gets washed off. 

To prevent the fruit from shriveling up before it gets to the grocery store, a certified organic wax is used.

If you want to avoid any kind of wax, you have to go to a farmer’s market and ask your farmer. See if you can get produce that has literally just fallen off the tree. But remember, it still has a natural wax on it, so it’s still important to wash your fruit before eating it!

Organipeel Fear Isn’t Necessary

I hope this episode cleared up your questions about Organipeel and waxes being used on organic produce. 

There’s no reason to fear Organipeel because it isn’t used anymore!

I learned a big lesson about doing real due diligence before I answer questions from my audience. Send me a DM if you have other questions!

FAQs About Organipeel

Has Apeel been approved for organic products?

Yes, but only post-harvest. But remember, Organipeel has been discontinued and hasn’t been used on organic produce since 2023.

How to remove Apeel coating?

You can buy solutions to wash your produce, but a mixture of vinegar and baking soda works perfectly.

What foods have Apeel on them?

None! Organipeel has been discontinued. They are working on a new solution, so that may change in the future.

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Related Episodes:

Episode 115: What it Means to be Regenerative Organic Certified with Evanhealy’s Holistic Esthetician, Jamie Burkhalter

Episode 121: Glyphosate in Food: The Cancer Study That Changes Everything