Coating – Waxed Fruits and Vegetables for More Freshness?

I have been dealing with the “invisible freshness protection for fruit and vegetables” for some time. Do you have more information about this? Do overlays have to be declared? Are there any health concerns?

For about two years, the so-called coating has also been used for fresh fruit in this country. This is what a wafer-thin protective layer of food additives is called. It acts as a physical barrier against the loss of moisture or the ingress of gases. The layer lets through more carbon dioxide than oxygen from the outside. This creates a kind of modified atmosphere that delays ripening. Coating is supposed to increase durability. Of course, the process also contributes to the fight against food spoilage, but it is primarily of interest for transport and trade. It is still unclear how the nutrient content changes as a result of longer storage.

To date, two different substances have been used as coatings in Europe. They are distributed by different manufacturers:

• Company Apeel Science: coating agent from vegetable fats (E 471, mono- and diglycerides from fatty acids)
• Manufacturer AriCoat NatureSeal: Coating agent based on sugar and vegetable oils (E473, sugar esters of fatty acids)

The protective layer developed by the company Apeel Science consists of fats obtained from fruit pulp, peel or seeds, with which the fruit is sprayed. This additive has been approved for surface treatment since 2019 for exotic fruits whose skin is not eaten. He is considered harmless. However, the additive can trigger allergies in sensitive people. Clear labeling is also important from this point of view.

In the meantime, the manufacturer is said to have planned approval for a further 30 types of fruit and vegetables with the EU Commission, including apples, strawberries, tomatoes, etc. It is therefore also about fruit and vegetables whose skins are also eaten. It remains to be seen whether the approval will be extended.

According to the manufacturer, the coating agent from the manufacturer AriCoat NatureSeal is made from certified palm oil, sunflower oil and sugar from sugar cane. The coating is done by spraying or dipping. The additive was already approved for surface treatment and is considered harmless.

Labelling

Since June 2, 2021, all waxy surface treatment products must be labeled “waxed” on all fruit and vegetables. This also applies to coating layers. Alternatively, the name of the class of food additive followed by the specific name or the E number or a list of ingredients can be given. The labeling must be visible to consumers for loose goods and pre-packaged products.

Covering fresh fruit with an approved additive is generally not permitted for organic products.