Is wax safe on apples: what does the FDA say
'19.01.2020'
Source: Health
Should I panic over waxing apples and other fruits and vegetables? This and other questions are answered by nutrition experts from Columbia University, citing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), writes magazine "Health".
Panic is not worth it! According to the FDA, waxing is considered safe and is approved for use on a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Freshly picked fruits and vegetables, including apples, are coated with natural wax to prevent drying and softening. Before delivering this agricultural product to stores, it is washed to remove dust and chemicals, while washing away part of the natural wax.
As a result, the FDA approved the use of edible wax to coat fruits and vegetables in order to preserve them during transportation, storage and sale, to prevent mold and improve appearance. Moreover, only two drops of edible wax are applied to one apple, which is distributed over the skin with a microscopic layer.
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Of course, waxed vegetables and fruits should be washed before use to eliminate dirt, bacteria and part of the wax itself. Tap water is enough for this!
It is worth noting that not only apples are subjected to artificial coating - a special thinnest layer is applied to chocolate to extend its storage and improve appearance. Sheaths also cover medicines to conceal the bitter taste and slow the release of the active ingredients. Even slices of french fries are covered with a special edible layer to adjust the absorption of oil during frying.
As for apples, natural and artificially applied wax is not absorbed by the human body and passes through the digestive system, without representing any risk.
