Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A video on Rumble alleges that Apeel, a company specialising in food coatings, poses health risks due to the presence of harmful heavy metals in their edible coatings. We fact checked it and found this claim FALSE.
The claim
A video available in Rumble claims that ”Bill Gates and WEF are advocating the use of Apeel, a product coating. However, there are concerns about Apeel containing toxic elements and chemicals like ethyl acetate, cadmium, lead, and palladium. These substances have been proven to be cancer-causing and detrimental to various bodily systems. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of cumulative toxins. This includes being cautious about food coated with Apeel, as the substances it contains arsenic, cadmium, lead, and even the side effects of mono and diglycerides, might pose health risks.
Fact Check
What is Apeel? What does Apeel do?
Apeel is a company that focuses on extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Apeel creates edible plant-based coatings that are applied on the surfaces of produce to slow down the process of spoilage. These coatings are derived from fruits and vegetables, and they form a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and reduce the rate of oxidation. By doing so, Apeel reduces food waste, improve the quality of fresh produce, and minimise the need for synthetic preservatives.
Is Apeel operated by Bill gates?
No. According to Apeel’s website it is clearly mentioned that Apeel is not operated by Bill gate and it is a privately handled company.
Are there heavy metals present in Apeel’s protective food films?
No. Appeals food coating is made of mono- and diglycerides. In food, mono- and diglycerides are naturally present as minor components within fats, often in conjunction with the primary constituents of dietary fats. These ingestible origins typically encompass plant-derived oils like soybean, canola, sunflower, cottonseed, coconut, or palm oil. Apeel uses mono- and diglycerides from grapeseed. Traces of heavy metals can detect in the soil that produces fruit due to significant environmental pollution.
Does the use of mono- and diglycerides contribute to extending the shelf life of food products?
Yes, the utilisation of mono- and diglycerides can indeed help in extending the shelf life of food products. Mono- and diglycerides are lipids that function as emulsifiers and stabilisers, enhancing the texture and structure of various food items. By improving the stability of emulsions, mono- and diglycerides play a role in maintaining the freshness and quality of foods over an extended period.
Are there any side effects of mono and diglyceride?
No research was found to assess the immediate harmful effects of mono- and diglycerides. Short-term and subchronic trials revealed no signs of adverse impact. The available studies did not indicate any worries concerning genotoxicity. Even administering in chronic toxicity, no negative effects were reported. No subject were exhibited any potential for causing cancer.
According to Kamran Khan, Regulatory Consultant, “The usage of mono and diglycerides is deemed safe for oral consumption, with no recorded harm to the body. However, it’s noteworthy that the following substances are not used in the surface treating of fresh fruits in Indian market and are not allowed for specific food categories such as fresh and surface treated fresh fruits under the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).”
Pharmacist Mandeep Singh said “The assessment by the FDA designates mono and diglycerides as secure for consumption. Their adoption as additives for preserving food and augmenting emulsification serves the purpose of refining both the texture and overall quality of edibles. Notably, their absence of adverse repercussions on human health has established them as functional agents within the realm of enhancing gastronomic experiences.”
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