Produce Coating And Human Health
In my previous article, I explored the negative effects of Bovaer on both human and cow health.
However, the ongoing discussion about it prompted me to consider and investigate other potentially harmful practices in the food industry.
One practice that immediately came to mind was the coating of produce. Although many people believe that washing fruits and vegetables will get rid of these coatings entirely, the reality is much more nuanced.
Let's dive in it.
❓First why there is a need of produce coating?
Food manufacturers apply special coatings to produce maintain its appearance and extend its shelf life, meeting consumer demand for fresh produce free of defects. Furthermore, produce is frequently imported from other countries and even other continents. However, coatings often raise health concerns.
What Are Fruit and Vegetable Coatings Made Of?
Fruit and vegetable coatings are usually used to improve the produce's appearance, stop microbial contamination, and minimize moisture loss. These coatings typically have the following substances 👇
Wax
One of the most often used ingredients in fruit and vegetable coatings is wax. It is derived from either natural sources (like carnauba wax from palm leaves or beeswax) or synthetic sources (such as polyethylene glycol).Non-Animal Delivered Polysaccharide Based Coatings
Their role is to act like barriers for moisture and gases, and are are mainly used on citrus fruits, apples, and cucumbers. Such coatings are cellulose, pectin, agar, starch or xanthan gum.Chitosan
Chitosan is also a polysaccharide, but comes from crustacean shells. It has antifungal qualities and is applied to fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and mushrooms.Chemical Preservatives
Some coatings include preservatives like sulfur dioxide or calcium propionate, which act as antimicrobial agents and prevent browning.
Although the main purpose of these coatings is to preserve food, many people are worried about how they might affect the human health.
Can Coatings Penetrate Plants And How Could They affect human health?
Wax Coatings do not penetrate the plant but can cause allergy reactions.
Non-Animal Delivered Polysaccharide Coatings are typically water-soluble, tend to stay on the surface, although they may interact with the surface of the fruit or vegetable in a way that affects its respiration rate and moisture retention. In most cases, they do not penetrate into the plant itself. Some still may lead to allergies.
Chitosan can potentially interact with plant cells on the surface, but it typically does not penetrate deeply into the fruit or vegetable tissue. A lot of people are allergic to shellfish, so it is best to avoid foods with such coatings or at least remove the peel.
Chemical preservatives are problematic. These substances are absorbed into the fruit or vegetable through the coating and could affect the plant’s integrity and even enter the human food chain. Though many of the preservatives used are considered safe in small amounts, the cumulative effect of consuming these chemicals over time is still unknown.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify the precise coating types that each manufacturer uses. Continue reading to find out how to avoid allergic or other adverse reactions.
If you're concerned about the chemicals and coatings on your produce, there are several ways to minimize exposure 👇
Buy Organic Produce
Organic fruits and vegetables are less likely to be coated with synthetic chemicals or preservatives, as organic farming standards often prohibit the use of certain chemicals. However, note that some organic produce may still be coated with natural waxes.Peel or Scrub Produce
One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of coatings is to peel fruits and vegetables or scrub them with water and a brush. Although this won’t remove all coatings, it can help reduce the amount you ingest.
Grow Your Own Produce
By growing your own fruits and vegetables, you have full control over the growing process and can avoid using chemical coatings altogether.
Get It from Local Farms
Local, small-scale farmers are less likely to use commercial coatings, as they often focus on more sustainable farming practices. It's worth asking about their practices if you're concerned.
Are There Experimental Food Coatings That Could Cause Harm?
1. Nano-Coatings
Nanotechnology has been explored as a way to create ultra-thin coatings for fruits and vegetables that could provide more effective protection from microbial contamination or spoilage. However, the long-term effects of ingesting nanoparticles are still under investigation. Nanoparticles could potentially penetrate cell walls or enter the bloodstream, raising concerns about toxicity.
2. Chemical Coatings with Unregulated Additives
Some coatings contain experimental chemical preservatives or flavor enhancers that have not been extensively tested for long-term safety. If these chemicals are absorbed into the plant, they have the potential to cause negative health effects, particularly if consumed on a regular basis.
3. Genetically Modified Coatings
Some experimental coatings incorporate genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to enhance shelf life or flavor. These GMO-based coatings raise concerns about their environmental impact, as well as the potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
🧐 Are these new coatings on the market?
There is no way to know, but it is likely. Industry lobbying is powerful, which is why I believe it should be banned. Food shouldn't make us sick. On the other hand, people must understand that real food does not look perfect; only fake does. If you want to eat plastic-looking food, don't expect it to be healthy!
🧐👇
Biggest Producers of Produce Coatings
JBT Corporation
Largest shareholders include BlackRock, Vanguard Group Inc, Champlain Investment Partners, State Street Corp, Victory Capital Management Inc, and VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares.Vanguard International
*If the name sounds familiar, there is a reason for it; read on.FMC Corporation
Largest shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc, Wellington Management Group Llp, BlackRock, Inc., State Street Corp, Morgan Stanley, VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares, IHGIX - THE HARTFORD DIVIDEND AND GROWTH FUND Class A, VFINX - Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares, and Tweedy, and Browne Co LLC . https://fintel.io/so/us/fmcBioFresh Technologies
Kraton Polymers
It's clear that the production of coatings is influenced by the same powerful entities that oversee our governments and dominate nearly every industry. It is still up to us to stop it!
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