Just Say NO to ‘Apeel’. It’s Deadly!

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
— Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)

In today’s grocery stores, even the cleanest-looking fruits and vegetables may hide something beneath the surface—a synthetic coating called Apeel. Marketed as a “plant-based” solution to reduce food waste by extending shelf life, this invisible layer is now appearing on a growing number of conventionally—and even organically—grown produce items.

But what exactly is Apeel, and is it truly safe for those of us striving to keep the temple of the Holy Spirit pure and healthy?

❓ What Is Apeel?

Apeel is a synthetic, food-grade coating made primarily from mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. It’s applied to fruits and vegetables to slow moisture loss and oxidation, allowing produce to last longer on store shelves.

It’s odorless, tasteless, and designed to be invisible—you can’t see it, feel it, or wash it off with water or produce soap.

⚠️ Why the Concern?

Apeel is promoted as “natural” because it’s derived from plants—but so are many processed chemicals. What matters is how it’s processed and what remains on the food you eat.

Here are several red flags that should make discerning Christians pause:

1. You Can’t Wash It Off

Unlike dirt or pesticides that can be rinsed, Apeel binds to the surface of the food. That means you’re eating whatever is locked in—including any residual solvents used during processing or potential bacterial traps that hide under the layer.

2. Contains Industrial Emulsifiers

The main component, mono- and diglycerides, are often derived from hydrogenated oils and may contain traces of trans fats—even if in trace amounts. These additives have been linked to:

• Inflammation
• Gut disruption
• Heart issues in high or cumulative doses

These substances were never meant to be part of God’s design for the human body.

3. GRAS ≠ Safe

Apeel is classified by the FDA as GRAS—Generally Recognized As Safe. But this label does not guarantee long-term safety, nor does it require full toxicological testing. GRAS products have slipped through before (remember margarine and aspartame?) and only later were proven harmful.

As stewards of the body God gave us, we must weigh risks prayerfully—not blindly trust what’s convenient or profitable to corporations.

4. Lack of Transparency

The exact formulation of Apeel is proprietary, meaning the public doesn’t know all ingredients. The company admits to using processing aids, alcohols, and chemical solvents in production—none of which are required to be disclosed on food labels, and none of which should be in the human body.

That secrecy is troubling for anyone committed to clean eating and transparency.

🛑 Is Apeel on Organic Produce?

Sadly, yes—Apeel is now being used on some USDA-certified organic produce.

While the base ingredients may technically meet organic criteria, the processing methods and inability to remove the coating compromise what many consumers expect when buying organic.

Look for labels that say:

• “Apeel Protected”
• “Edipeel” (another name for it)

If it doesn’t say, ask your grocer.

🙏 Why This Matters for Believers

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19

Your body is not a trash can. It is the living temple of God’s Spirit, and He desires that you treat it with intentionality and wisdom. Choosing clean, whole, unaltered foods is not legalism—it’s stewardship.

We are not to live in fear, but we are to walk in discernment.

✅ How to Avoid Apeel-Coated Produce

1. Shop locally — Buy from farmer’s markets and directly from growers who don’t use coatings.
2. Buy unpackaged produce — Apeel-coated items are often pre-wrapped or stickered.
3. Look for labels — Reject produce marked “Apeel Protected” or “Edipeel.”
4. Grow your own — Even a small garden can reduce dependence on mass-produced, coated fruits.
5. Choose organic carefully — Call your store or farm and ask if they use Apeel.

✝️ Final Thoughts: Stewardship Over Convenience

God gave us food to nourish—not confuse or contaminate. Apeel may be marketed as a “solution,” but when food becomes a science experiment, it’s time to return to the wisdom of God’s natural design.

We don’t panic. We prepare.
We don’t fear. We discern.
We don’t compromise. We honor the temple.

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21