Are waxy fruits safe to eat?

Dear Reader, 

Who can say no to a shiny red apple? Certainly not Snow White! Fortunately, the wax coating on apples is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for consumption. All coatings used on fruits and vegetable must follow U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, meaning that they’re made from ingredients that are generally considered safe. Hungry for more information on edible coatings? Read on to find out more!  

Why are apples coated with wax? 

Apples and other fruits and vegetables naturally produce their own wax. This stops them from drying out and also protects them from harmful fungi. After apples are picked, they’re washed to remove dirt, dust, pesticides, and other microbes. Some of their natural wax is removed during this process, which can shorten the shelf life of the fruit. To solve this problem, food producers often coat apples in a very thin layer of wax. The most common types of wax used are beeswax and carnauba wax (a natural wax from plant leaves). 

Is the wax on apples safe to eat? 

The wax coating on apples is generally safe to eat. All food-safe coatings used on fruits and vegetables need to comply with FDA regulations. This means that they’re made from substances that are GRAS and have been approved for use and consumption. Since wax can’t be digested, it passes through the body without being absorbed. The waxy coating can sometimes crack or appear milky if it’s humid outside. While this may not be visually appealing, it doesn’t pose documented health risks. 

What other foods have edible coatings? 

Apples aren’t the only food products that may come with an edible film or coating. If the chocolate or candy you’re eating has a glossy finish, it may have an edible coating that helps to add shine and luster. Sliced and packaged meat is often covered with an antimicrobial coating to preserve its color and keep it fresh on the shelf. Some french fries may also be coated with an edible film to preserve crispiness and reduce the amount of oil absorbed during the frying process. 

Edible coatings are also used in oral medication. Some types of coatings help to prevent the medication from breaking down until it reaches your small intestine, where it can be absorbed most effectively. Others help to protect your stomach lining from becoming irritated by the medication. Finally, in some cases, the coating is used to mask the taste of the pill or tablet and make it easier to swallow.  

Do you need to wash foods with a waxy coating before eating them? 

While the wax on apples is generally safe to eat, it’s still a good idea to wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Harmful bacteria can grow in the soil or water where fruits and vegetables come from, which could cause foodborne illness. Additionally, thoroughly washing produce helps remove any residual pesticides. Even after they have left the ground, trees, or vines, fresh produce can become contaminated during storage, transport, and preparation. 

You don’t need to wash produce that’s been labelled “pre-washed” or “ready-to-eat”. For other types of produce, however, it may be helpful to keep the following tips in mind:  

• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or preparing them, to avoid contaminating kitchen utensils.
• Avoid washing produce with dish soap or detergent, as they may absorb the soap and make you sick.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables such as melons and cucumbers with a clean brush.
• Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel after washing to reduce bacteria that may still be on the surface. 

An apple (or three) a day may not keep the doctor away, but it most likely won’t call for one either. Keep calm and crunch on!