This comprehensive list outlines the current policies and disclosures from growers and grocery retailers regarding the use of Apeel’s Edipeel (for conventional produce) and Organipeel (for organic produce) food coatings. These coatings, which have been applied commercially to apples, cucumbers, avocados, asparagus, limes, lemons, grapefruits, mandarins, mangoes, and oranges, are odorless, tasteless, and clear, making them undetectable to consumers. While the majority of grocery store produce is not treated with Apeel, it’s important to note the varying policies across different retailers.
To remove Apeel coatings from produce, consumers can use vinegar or baking soda with a produce brush or towel. It’s advised not to use both vinegar and baking soda simultaneously. This method is suggested to ensure that as much of the coating is removed as possible.
Here is a detailed list of retailer policies regarding Apeel-coated produce:
- Natural Grocers: Publicly states they do not carry produce treated with Apeel.
- Sprouts Farmers Markets: Internally decided not to carry produce treated with Apeel but has not made a public statement.
- Costco: Partnered with Apeel in 2018 but recently stopped carrying produce treated with Apeel and has no plans to sell it again.
- Publix: Will not purchase produce treated with Apeel.
- H-E-B and Central Market: Do not use Apeel-treated items in their products and request suppliers to adhere to this policy, but cannot guarantee 100% compliance.
- Whole Foods: Did not provide a clear answer on sourcing produce treated with Apeel. Despite meeting safety standards, such items were not visibly found in stores.
- Trader Joe’s: No longer sources produce treated with Apeel but has not issued a public statement.
- Jimbo’s: Azure Standard: Publicly state they do not carry produce treated with Apeel.
- Azure Standard: Publicly state they do not carry produce treated with Apeel.
- Whole Foods: Publicly state they do not carry produce treated with Apeel.
- Fresh Thyme: Publicly state they do not carry produce treated with Apeel.
- Erewhon: Publicly state they do not carry produce treated with Apeel.
- ALDI: Has recently said they would not be using A peel items.
- Kroger: Claims their label items are not treated with Apeel but cannot certify other brands they carry.
- Albertsons: Known to carry some produce treated with Apeel, but not for their private brands.
- Target: Known to carry some produce treated with Apeel, but not for their private brands.
- Walmart: Known to carry some produce treated with Apeel, but not for their private brands.
- Clark’s Nutrition: Decided not to carry products with Apeel.
- Love Whole Foods Cafe & Market: Working to keep Apeel products out and seeking more transparency in labeling.
- Giant, Stop & Shop, Hannaford: Do not utilize Apeel for private brands but cannot verify other brands.
In addition to these retailers, there are specific policies from produce growers:
- Stemilt Apples: Previously used Organipeel but no longer do.
- Domex Superfresh Growers: Do not use Apeel and have no future plans to use it.
- Calavo Avocados: Offers limited quantities of avocados treated with Apeel, not sent to Whole Foods.
- West Pak, Limoneira, Topline Farms, Horton Fruit Company, Index Fresh, Nature’s Pride, Del Monte, Sage Fruit Company: Use Apeel on some produce items, with varying levels of disclosure and commitment.
Additionally, several companies like Bragg, Imperfect Produce, Misfits Market, Rainier Fruit Company, and Driscoll’s do not use Apeel on their produce.
Consumers should be aware that while some retailers and growers have clear policies against using Apeel, others do not, and the presence of Apeel-treated produce may vary. Checking with individual stores and looking for labeling can provide more specific information on the use of these food coatings.
