The Complete Apeel Timeline - What Really Happened (Facts Only) - Part I
Note on Information Reliability: This research was compiled from publicly available sources as of August 2025. The focus here is on factual timeline and regulatory information. Retailer policies can change frequently, so always verify current information directly with your local stores.
If you've been following the controversy around Apeel Sciences and their produce coatings, you've probably encountered a confusing mix of information, misinformation, and conflicting timelines. This post aims to provide just the facts - a clear, chronological account of what actually happened- with Apeel's regulatory approvals, market rollout, and current status.
For my personal take on the transparency and health implications, check out Part II of this series.
What is Apeel? The Basics
Apeel Sciences, founded in 2012 by James Rogers with initial funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, creates edible coatings for produce. They developed two main products:
Edipeel: For conventional produce
Organipeel: For organic produce (now discontinued)
These coatings are made primarily of mono- and diglycerides derived from plant sources and are designed to extend shelf life by creating an invisible barrier that slows moisture loss and oxidation.
The Regulatory Timeline: When Did What Get Approved?
2016: The First FDA Approval
April 2016: Apeel submitted their first GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice (GRN 648) to the FDA for monoglycerides from palmitic acid.
October 2016: FDA completed their evaluation and accepted the GRAS notice, allowing Edipeel for conventional produce.
2017-2020: Organipeel Development
2017: OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) approved Organipeel, but here's the crucial detail most people missed - it was approved ONLY as a "post-harvest fungicide," NOT as a coating for raw produce.
2020: Apeel submitted a second GRAS notice (GRN 886) for monoacylglycerides derived from grape seed, which became the basis for Organipeel.
The Market Rollout: Where Was Apeel Actually Used?
US Producers Using Apeel:
Limoneira: Applied Organipeel on organic lemons (planned to coat 5 million cartons)
Stemilt Apples: Previously used Organipeel on organic apples (discontinued)
Sage Fruit Company: Expanded partnership in 2021 to treat organic apple varieties including gala, fuji, Honeycrisp, granny smith, and Pink Lady
International Use:
Contrary to popular belief, Apeel wasn't limited to US producers:
Europe:
Germany: EDEKA and Netto stores carried Apeel avocados with reported 50% reduction in food waste
Denmark: Salling Group stores carried Apeel avocados
UK: Asda rolled out Apeel on mandarins, oranges, and avocados in 150 stores; Tesco ran a 3-month trial (ended 2023)
Regulatory Approvals:
Edipeel is approved in Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, and South Africa
EU approval for specific fruits: avocados, citrus, mangoes, papayas, melons, bananas, pineapples, and pomegranates
The Great Market Withdrawal: Why Stores Stopped Carrying Apeel
2023-2025: The Retailer Exodus
Despite being FDA-approved and legally available, consumer pressure led to a massive market withdrawal:
Major Retailers That Stopped Using Apeel:
Costco: Stopped Spring 2023 (after partnering since 2018)
Trader Joe's: No longer sources Apeel-treated produce
Sprouts Farmers Market: Decided not to carry Apeel-treated produce
Natural Grocers: Public corporate statement refusing Apeel products
Fresh Thyme: Does not source Apeel-treated produce
Wegmans: Confirmed they don't source Apeel-treated items
Retailers Still Using Apeel (as of 2024):
Target: Carries Apeel-coated avocados, apples, cucumbers, citrus
Some Walmart suppliers (not Walmart's private label)
Various regional chains
The Organipeel Controversy: What Really Happened?
Here's where the misinformation really took hold. Many recent reports claimed that Organipeel was "pulled from the market" in July 2025 due to regulatory action. This is not accurate.
The Real Story:
OMRI never approved Organipeel for use as a coating on raw organic produce - only as a post-harvest fungicide*
Apeel voluntarily discontinued Organipeel in 2023 - not because of regulatory pressure, but because they realized it would never get approved for the broader use they wanted
The company is reportedly working on a new formulation that might meet organic standards for coating raw produce
Current Status: Where Things Stand Today
What's Still Available:
Edipeel: Used on non organic produce. Still FDA-approved and available, though many retailers have stopped carrying it
Organipeel: Completely discontinued since 2023
The Transparency Problem:
One of the biggest consumer concerns has been the lack of clear labeling. While some produce carries "Apeel Protected" stickers, many items are not clearly marked, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.
Consumer Detection Methods:
If you want to avoid Apeel-treated produce:
Shop at confirmed Apeel-free retailers (Natural Grocers, Trader Joe's, etc.)
Ask produce managers directly about their sourcing policies
Look for "Apeel Protected" or "Edipeel" stickers
Focus on local farmers markets and CSA programs
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Food Transparency
The Apeel controversy highlights several important issues in our food system:
Regulatory vs. Market Forces: Even FDA-approved products can be removed from shelves by consumer pressure
Transparency Gaps: The difficulty consumers face in knowing what's on their food
Organic Integrity: Questions about whether synthetic coatings belong on organic produce
International Coordination: How different countries approach food safety and labeling
Moving Forward: What to Expect
Based on industry reports, Apeel Sciences is working on developing new formulations that might be more acceptable for organic certification. However, given the consumer backlash and retailer withdrawal, any new products will likely face intense scrutiny.
For consumers who want to avoid coated produce, the current situation actually provides more options than ever, with major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe's, and Sprouts having clear policies against carrying Apeel-treated items.
The Bottom Line
Here is the full timeline of real, actual events in the Apeel/Organipeel controversy:
Apeel Timeline
Key milestones in approvals, partnerships, and market shifts
-
2012–2016
Foundation & First FDA Approval
Founded by James Rogers with Gates Foundation funding. FDA approves Edipeel for conventional produce (GRN 648).
Regulatory Success -
2017
Organipeel Approved by Organic Materials Review Institute
OMRI approves Organipeel, as "post-harvest fungicide" – which is still spraying on raw organic produce despite limited scope approval by OMRI (we call this a regulatory loophole).
⚠️ Limited scope approval missed by many
-
2018–2021
Major Retail Partnerships
Costco partners (2018), international rollout in Europe, major US producers like Limoneira and Stemilt adopt Apeel.
📈 5 million cartons planned by Limoneira
Market Expansion -
2020
Second FDA Approval
FDA accepts second GRAS notice (GRN 886) for grape seed–derived monoacylglycerides, expanding Organipeel basis.
Regulatory Expansion -
2023
The Great Market Withdrawal
Costco stops sourcing (Spring). Consumer pressure leads major retailers to abandon Apeel. Organipeel voluntarily discontinued.
🏪 Costco, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Wegmans exit
Consumer Pressure -
2024
Limited Market Presence
Target and some Walmart suppliers still carry Apeel. Many retailers maintain "Apeel-free" policies despite FDA approval.
Market Fragmentation -
2025
Current Status
Edipeel remains FDA-approved but limited retail presence. Company reportedly working on new organic formulation.
✅ Still approved in 9+ countries
Uncertain Future
The Apeel timeline reveals a complex story of innovation, regulation, consumer concern, and market response. While the coatings remain FDA-approved and legally available, widespread consumer resistance has effectively removed them from many store shelves.
Whether you view this as a victory for consumer choice or a loss for food waste reduction depends on your perspective. What's clear is that transparency in food labeling and production remains a critical issue for consumers who want to make informed decisions about what they eat.
Key Takeaway: The facts show that consumer voices can drive significant changes in the food industry, even when products have regulatory approval.
Coming up in Part II: My personal take on the transparency issues, toxic burden concerns, and why I choose to avoid Apeel-treated produce.
*A note about post-harvest fungicide: A treatment applied to fruits or vegetables after they have been harvested, not while they are growing in the field. Its purpose is to prevent mold, decay, and fungal growth during storage, transportation, and retail display.
When is it sprayed?
Post-harvest fungicides are typically applied:
· Shortly after harvest, before the produce is packed and shipped.
· At packing houses, where fruits and vegetables are washed, sorted, and prepared for market.
· Often as a dip, spray, or fog in a controlled facility.
Key Points:
· Applied after picking, so no soil or plant exposure during growth.
· Targets fungi that cause spoilage (e.g., gray mold, blue mold).
· Helps extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
Resources and References
Official Regulatory Documents
Industry Analysis and Timeline Verification
Wikipedia: Apeel Sciences - Comprehensive overview with citations
Retailer Policies and Market Data
International Market Information
Recent Developments and Fact-Checking