Overview

• The FDA granted approval in mid-July for Apeel Sciences’ edible, plant-based coating on USDA-certified organic produce after nearly eight years of regulatory review.
• Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to warn that organic fruits and vegetables coated with Apeel may not be fully washable and alleged a link to Bill Gates.
• Apeel Sciences clarified that its coating is made from plant lipids naturally found in produce, can be washed off, and has complied with FDA and U.S. National Organic Program standards since its inception.
• The company emphasized that Bill Gates has never been a shareholder or had direct involvement beyond a $100,000 grant from the Gates Foundation in 2012.
• Several major retailers have opted not to stock Apeel-treated produce, fueling broader discussions on organic labeling, celebrity influence and food-waste reduction efforts.