When you see the label "USDA Organic," what comes to your mind? Trust? Purity? For most of us, these labels are symbolic of a commitment to quality and transparency. Having been in the organic supplement industry for nearly a decade, we at Organic Muscle have always prided ourselves on upholding the integrity of this label.
However, the recent introduction of Organipeel by the Bill Gates brand Apeel has raised questions about the standards we've all come to trust.
Apeel's official site describes their products as an additional "protective layer" that reinforces the natural defenses already present on fruits and vegetables.
Organipeel, a variant of Apeel designed for organic produce, has been classified by the EPA as a pesticide, more specifically, a fungicide. As per its EPA registration, the primary component of Organipeel is citric acid, constituting 0.66% of the product.
The Mysterious "Other Ingredients" in Organipeel:
Drawing from our own experience, achieving a USDA organic certification is no easy feat. —it demands rigorous commitment, exacting standards, and unwavering transparency. Each ingredient, every step in the process, and the complete production methodology must align seamlessly with the stringent organic parameters. The stakes? Hefty fees and potential legal consequences for those who falter.
Yet, it seems some brands, like Bill Gates’ Apeel, are allowed a completely different set of standards. Dive into Organipeel's Pesticide Registration with the EPA, and an alarming discovery awaits. A whopping 99.34% of its composition is veiled behind the term "other ingredients," yet it parades proudly with the “USDA Organic” badge.
Our journey has been an open book, detailing the organic life cycle of our ingredients—from farm to bottle. How, then, does a product that shrouds nearly its entire essence in mystery earn the same honor we've poured our heart and soul into?
“The problem we have is that organic certifiers almost always rubber-stamp the decisions made by OMRI when it comes to deciding what materials and formulations are allowed in organic,” said Mark Kastel, executive director of OrganicEye, one of the industry’s most important watchdog groups. “So, 99.34% of the formulation of Organipeel is not only being kept hidden from the public, but we are forced to trust an unregulated, corporate-funded organization in OMRI to essentially interpret and enforce the USDA organic regulations. This creates a real lack of trust."
To get a better idea of what may be the “other ingredients” in Organipeel, lets take a look at the composition of Apeel.
Apeel combines petroleum byproducts and processed trans fatty acids in a concoction sprayed on our fruits and vegetables, all in the name of prolonged freshness. That enticing avocado before you? It might be masquerading its month-old age, courtesy of Apeel's deceptive alchemy. A frankenfruit, adorned with ambiguous substances, giving an impression of freshness that belies its true age.
The Hidden Danger: Trans Fats in a Nutshell
Trans fats have been scientifically scrutinized for their detrimental health effects:
1. Altered Cholesterol: They raise "bad" LDL cholesterol while reducing the "good" HDL cholesterol, amplifying heart disease risks.
2. Inflammation: Linked to chronic diseases, including heart conditions and diabetes.
3. Increased Heart Disease Risk: Research from the New England Journal of Medicine has highlighted the direct connection between trans fats and heart disease.
Such compelling evidence against trans fats makes one question their presence in products promoting health and freshness.
The Apeel Spread: A Worldwide Concern
Apeel’s influence isn't confined to America but stretches across nations like Canada, Germany, the UK, and more. Though the EU and UK limit its use to certain fruits, elsewhere, every fruit and vegetable can be a potential host, even the organic ones.
Considering Starr Ranch's apples, cloaked in an “organic” version of Apeel, what truly defines "organic" in this veil of obscurity?
We're not against innovation or the use of technology to reduce food waste.
However, as advocates for organic purity and transparency, we believe that consumers deserve the full story. It is essential for regulatory bodies to ensure that products with the organic label meet the stringent standards that the public trusts and respects.
When influential figures like Bill Gates back a product, it's easy for many to accept it without question. But we urge you, our committed organic community, to dig deeper, ask questions, and hold companies accountable for the standards we've all come to expect.
Charting a Path Forward: Solutions to Consider
Amid these revelations, it's essential not to feel disheartened but to harness our collective power for change. Here's how you can make a difference:
1. Raise Your Voice: Write to institutions like the EPA and USDA, articulating your concerns. These agencies, built to protect consumer interests, need to hear from us to be kept accountable.
2. Support Genuine Organic Brands: In this maze of dubious claims, there are still many independent brands genuinely committed to rigorous organic standards. By investing in their products, you're not only ensuring your health but also sending a clear message to the industry about what consumers truly value.
3. Stay Informed: Regularly research and stay updated. The more informed we are, the better decisions we can make.
Our choices have the power to shape the market. Let's use it wisely, advocating for transparency and true organic integrity in the food we consume.
Let's keep the organic movement pure, transparent, and trustworthy.
References: Organipeel Certification Document
