Is Bill Gates' Apeel Really Safe?

You've probably heard the buzz about Bill Gates' latest venture, the appeal coating for produce. It promises to extend shelf life and reduce food waste. It makes one ask, can we genuinely trust what's inside this item?

I want to take a closer look at what's really in this coating and whether it's something you should feel good about eating.

I've uncovered some concerning things, like the use of solvents and trace amounts of heavy metals in the manufacturing process. The lack of transparency about the other 99.34% of ingredients raises some red flags.

So, let's dive in and explore what we know and what we don't know about the safety of this product.

Unveiling the Ingredients of Bill Gates' Apeel

As consumers, we have a right to know what's in the products we buy—especially when it comes to what we put in our food. So, let's take a closer look at the ingredients in Bill Gates' Apeel and see what we find.

The first thing that stands out is the lack of transparency. The appeal product contains 99.34% of "other ingredients" which are not specified. That's a big red flag right off the bat.

The Role of Mono and Diglycerides

Apeel does disclose that it contains mono and diglycerides, which are emulsifiers. Emulsifiers mix ingredients that usually wouldn't blend, like oil and water. They're common food additives, but they're not without controversy.

Some studies, like this one published in the journal Nutrients, have raised concerns about the safety of certain emulsifiers.

While mono and diglycerides are generally considered safe by regulatory agencies, some health advocates argue that more research is needed on their long-term effects.

Traces of Heavy Metals Detected

Even more concerning are reports of heavy metals found in Apeel's products. Independent lab testing detected measurable cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic levels.

To be fair, many foods contain trace amounts of heavy metals due to environmental contamination. But the question is, do we want to add more exposure through an unnecessary coating?

Chronic exposure to heavy metals has been linked to a range of health issues, from developmental problems to cancer.

As a doctor who advocates for a natural, toxin-free lifestyle, I find the presence of any heavy metals to raise a red flag. Consumers deserve to know about this so they can make an informed choice.

The Manufacturing Process and Its Implications

It's not just the ingredients in Apeel that concern me, but also how it's made. The manufacturing process is a bit of a black box, but from what we do know, there are some potential issues.

Concerns Over Partially Hydrogenated Products

One major red flag is high heat and hydrogen use in the production process. This is typically how partially hydrogenated oils are made, which are the main source of artificial trans fats.

Trans fats are well established as being harmful to health. They increase inflammation, lower good cholesterol, and are linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions.

While Apeel claims their product doesn't contain trans fats, the manufacturing process raises questions.

Solvent Use Raises Toxicity Questions

The use of solvents is another concern. Solvents are used to extract and purify ingredients, but traces can remain in the final product. Some commonly used solvents, like hexane, are neurotoxins and air pollutants.

Apeel says they use a "chemical removal process" to remove solvent residues, but the details are vague. I'd want to know more about what solvents are used and how effectively they're removed. Even trace amounts can be problematic with chronic exposure.

The manufacturing process also involves the use of metals like palladium as catalysts. While catalysts aren't meant to end up in the final product, I've seen many contamination cases in the supplement industry. Without transparent testing, we can't be sure.

Regulatory Loopholes and Classification Controversies

Another issue with Apeel is how it's regulated—or not regulated. It seems to fall into a gray area, which allows it to skirt certain safety standards and labeling requirements.

The FDA Approval Process Under Scrutiny

Apeel is classified as a food additive, meaning it goes through a different approval process than a pesticide.

But get this: under the FDA's current system, companies can determine whether a substance is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) without even notifying the FDA.

That's right. Apeel decides if its product is safe. They're supposed to have scientific consensus and expert review to back that up, but the process is largely self-regulated.

A report by the National Resources Defense Council found major gaps in the system that allow unsafe additives to reach consumers.

Is It a Coating or a Fungicide?

There's also some debate over whether Apeel should be classified as a coating or a fungicide. It's marketed as an edible coating, but its main function is to prevent mold and rot. That could qualify it as an antimicrobial pesticide.

The distinction matters because pesticides have to go through a lot more safety testing and regulation. Classifying Apeel as a coating allows it to avoid that extra scrutiny.

Interestingly, as an emulsifier, Apeel is also exempt from the FDA's ban on partially hydrogenated oils. So even if it did contain trans fats, it could still be used. These loopholes and inconsistencies in regulation concern me.

Comparing Edible Coatings on Produce

To be clear, using edible coatings on produce is not a new concept. It's been done for centuries using natural substances like beeswax. The question is, how does Apeel compare to those traditional methods?

Beeswax, Shellac, and Paraffin Wax

Beeswax and shellac are natural secretions from bees and lac bugs, respectively. They've been used for generations to coat apples, citrus fruits, and candies. Paraffin wax is a petroleum product that's also commonly used.

While these coatings are generally considered safe, they're not without drawbacks. Shellac, for example, is not vegan and some people have allergies. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of the oil industry. But they are at least familiar, time-tested substances.

Organic Versions of Appeal Product

Some companies now make organic versions of edible coatings using ingredients like carnauba wax and wood resin. These may be a better choice for those looking to avoid synthetic compounds.

However, it's important to note that even organic coatings can affect the natural microbiome of produce. They may prevent the growth of beneficial bacteria along with the bad.

And if produce is already contaminated with pathogens, coatings can seal them in and make them harder to wash off.

Personally, I prefer to eat fresh, uncoated produce whenever possible. Buying local and in season is the best way to get fruits and vegetables that haven't been sitting around long enough to need a preservative coating.

Potential Health Concerns with Long-Term Consumption

The biggest question I have about Apeel is its safety for long-term consumption. While the ingredients may be deemed safe in isolation, what happens when we eat them regularly, in combination with other additives and environmental toxins?

Trace Elements in Focus

Let's circle back to the heavy metals. Maybe the amounts in a single Apeel-coated apple are nothing to worry about. But what about the cumulative effect over months and years, especially for children and other vulnerable populations?

The same goes for any solvent residues or contaminants from processing. Chronic low-level exposure can be more insidious than acute toxicity. It may take years for the effects to show up as chronic disease.

Polyethylene Glycol Usage Concerns

Another ingredient that gives me pause is polyethylene glycol. This petroleum-derived compound is used as an antifoaming agent and plasticizer. While it's common in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, there's a growing awareness that we may be overexposed.

Studies have linked polyethylene glycol to digestive issues and even oxidative stress at the cellular level. It can also potentially disrupt the gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall health.

The bottom line is, we need more safety studies on the long-term consumption of all these novel food additives, including Apeel.

In the meantime, I believe the precautionary principle should apply. With so many unanswered questions, I can't in good conscience recommend Apeel products to my patients and readers.

Conclusion

So, are the ingredients in Bill Gates' appeal safe? It’s a journey; we don’t have everything figured out at this moment.

While the product has gone through the FDA approval process, there are still some concerning aspects of the manufacturing and the lack of long-term safety data.

It's up to you to weigh the potential benefits of reduced food waste against the possible risks of consuming trace elements and mystery ingredients.

I encourage you to stay informed, keep asking questions, and make the choice that feels right for you and your family.

The safety of our food supply is too important to take for granted. Let's keep the conversation going and push for more transparency and rigorous testing of new food technologies like the appeal coating.