Controversy surrounds Bill Gates-backed synthetic fruit and vegetable coating

By willowt // 2025-09-05

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Bill Gates' involvement in the food industry has sparked a new controversy with the development of a synthetic fruit coating called Organipeel. Despite its approval by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the coating has drawn criticism from organic advocates and celebrities like Michelle Pfeiffer. The debate centers on transparency, safety and the integrity of organic standards. Key points at a glance:

Apeel Sciences' Organipeel is a post-harvest coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
Organipeel is registered with the EPA as a pesticide and is OMRI-listed for use on organic produce.
The coating contains 0.66% citric acid and 99.34% undisclosed "other ingredients."
Safety warnings on the concentrated product have been misinterpreted, causing public skepticism.
Michelle Pfeiffer initially criticized Organipeel but later issued a corrective post.

Apeel Sciences and Organipeel

Apeel Sciences, founded by James Rogers in 2012, has developed Organipeel, a synthetic fungicide and coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The company has received early support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, though Gates is not directly involved in its current operations. Organipeel is applied as a thin, edible layer derived from plant-based materials, primarily designed to act as a barrier against moisture loss and oxidation.

Regulatory approval and certification

Organipeel is registered with the EPA as an antimicrobial pesticide, approved for post-harvest use on raw agricultural commodities. Despite this classification, it is also OMRI-listed, meaning it complies with National Organic Program (NOP) standards when used as directed. The OMRI listing was granted around 2019, coinciding with its EPA registration. However, the product has been discontinued in favor of newer formulations as of mid-2025.

Composition and safety concerns

The EPA label for Organipeel lists citric acid as the active ingredient at 0.66 percent by weight, with "other ingredients" making up the remaining 99.34 percent. These "other ingredients" are not fully detailed on the public label, a common practice for inert components in pesticides. Apeel describes them as plant-based monoglycerides and diglycerides, along with baking soda in some formulations. Citric acid is non-synthetic and derived from natural sources, aligning with its allowance in certain contexts. The EPA label includes cautions for handling the concentrated product, such as:

Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes or clothing. Wear safety glasses when handling. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
May be harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

These warnings are standard for concentrated solutions and do not apply to the diluted, applied form on produce, which is considered safe for consumption after regulatory review by the EPA, FDA and international bodies. However, these warnings have been misinterpreted in online misinformation campaigns, leading to public concern.

Celebrity involvement and public reaction

In July, actress Michelle Pfeiffer took to her Instagram Stories to criticize Apeel Sciences, blasting the "very concerning" food spray brand. She wrote, "Apeel (an edible, plant-based coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables) was just approved and now ‘organic’ produce is coated in something we cannot see or wash off," adding a final "very concerning" note. Pfeiffer also shared a list of grocers that would not be selling products using Apeel, urging her followers to check the full list.

Apeel’s response and Pfeiffer’s correction

Apeel Sciences responded to Pfeiffer, emphasizing that their produce-protecting product is safe to consume and detailing the company's commitment to honesty and transparency. Weeks after her initial post, Pfeiffer issued a corrective post, stating, "I unintentionally reposted inaccurate and outdated information, and I’m very sorry for that. Apeel Sciences has informed me that The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded two research grants to Apeel Sciences and Gates has no role with or ownership in Apeel. And regarding their organic product, Organipeel, Apeel told me it was not JUST approved but was first allowed back in 2017, though it has not been offered commercially in any market for over two years because they have been working (through proper protocol) on new organic formulations to meet the evolving needs of the organic industry."

Industry watchdogs and organic advocates

The controversy over Organipeel has raised broader questions about the integrity and transparency of organic certification. Industry watchdogs and organic advocates are questioning USDA oversight and calling for greater transparency in organic certification. Mark Kastel of OrganicEye urged consumers to pressure retailers, emphasizing their influence. Some retailers, like Natural Grocers, have already banned Apeel-treated produce, stating, "We do not want this in our food supply."

Recommendations for consumers

Consumers are advised to seek locally grown organic produce or grow their own to avoid reliance on opaque, globally distributed products. Third-party Material Review Organizations (MROs) like OMRI play a critical role in organic certification but operate without USDA regulation. Certifiers often defer to MROs without independent scrutiny, a practice that has been criticized by organic advocates.

Navigating the debate over synthetic coatings in organic food

The debate over Apeel Sciences' Organipeel coating highlights the complex balance between extending the shelf life of fresh produce and maintaining the integrity of organic standards. While the product is registered as a pesticide and faces safety concerns, its organic certification and usage in the industry continue to be contentious issues. As the organic food industry expands, transparency and accountability remain critical to maintaining consumer trust. Sources for this article include: 100percentfedup.com PageSix.com Apeel.com