Bill Gates has drawn criticism for his involvement in a controversial food coating technology, sparking debates over safety and transparency. The product, called Organipeel, is an organic version of Apeel’s post-harvest coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. However, critics argue it raises serious concerns about its composition and regulatory oversight.
Organipeel, developed by Apeel Sciences, is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a pesticide under EPA Reg. No. 92708-1. Despite this classification, it qualifies for organic certification through the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). The product’s label lists citric acid as its active ingredient at 0.66%, with “other ingredients” making up the remaining 99.34%. However, these additional components are not fully disclosed, leading to questions about transparency.
Safety warnings on the EPA label caution against eye irritation and advise wearing protective gear during handling. Critics have compared the product to Agent Orange, a defoliant linked to severe health issues, though Apeel Sciences clarifies that Organipeel is plant-based and approved as safe by regulatory bodies. The company emphasizes that its coating consists of purified monoglycerides and diglycerides, compounds also found in infant formula and designated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Despite this, concerns persist about the industrialization of organic food and the potential risks of undisclosed ingredients. Actress Michelle Pfeiffer publicly criticized Apeel, calling its use on organic produce “very concerning” and urging followers to avoid products coated with the substance. She shared a social media post claiming that USDA-certified organic produce is now treated with an unseeable, non-washable coating.
Apeel Sciences has distanced itself from Bill Gates, clarifying that he has no involvement or ownership in the company. While Gates’ foundation provided early grants totaling less than $1.1 million in 2012 and 2015, the company asserts it operates independently. However, critics argue that Gates’ influence over food technology raises ethical questions about corporate control of agricultural practices.
A separate fact-checking organization disputed claims that Apeel’s safety data sheets indicate harmful effects, noting that the cited document referenced an unrelated cleaning product from a U.K.-based company. Apeel Sciences maintains its coating is safe for consumption and designed to reduce food waste by preserving freshness. The debate over Organipeel highlights broader tensions between innovation in agriculture and public skepticism toward corporate-driven solutions.