Apeel Sciences, which in June was named one of Food & Wine's 2025 Game Changers transforming the food supply, and earlier this year was recognized by Time magazine as the No. 3 Top GreenTech company in the world, says it's been the target of a disinformation campaign since 2023 and is now named in the Apeel Reveal Act, a federal labeling bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind.
HR 4737 seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require the disclosure of certain product coatings used on fruits and vegetables, and for other purposes.
Apeel's primary technology, a plant-based, edible coating that extends the freshness of produce without the need for refrigeration or synthetic preservatives, is tasteless, odorless and made from ingredients found in commonly eaten plants, says the company. Apeel adds that its technology extends freshness and reduces spoilage for retailers, suppliers and consumers at every step of the supply chain.
The Goleta, Calif.-based company issued a response to the federal labeling bill on Aug. 5, stating the company's longstanding commitment to transparency in food labeling and addressing widespread misinformation surrounding its products and operations.
The Packer reached out to Apeel Sciences co-founder Jenny Du via email for additional comment. Asked what prompted the congressman to introduce the Apeel Reveal Act, Du said: “We requested a meeting with the congressman to learn the answer to that question. Our understanding is that he is a farmer, so we are hoping to have an open, honest dialogue about the U.S. food system, to set the record straight about our company, and to discuss better transparency for consumers.”
In the statement issued from Apeel Sciences, the company said it agrees with Stutzman that “every consumer deserves to know where they can find safer, higher-quality, fresher produce in their grocery stores,” adding that this has been a longstanding company belief since its founding in 2012.
“Our plant-based, edible coatings help keep produce naturally fresh for longer, reduce food waste, and lower grocery costs for American families,” the statement said. “Our products are among the safest and most rigorously tested on the market. The ingredients — plant-based simple fats called mono- and diglycerides, baking soda and citric acid — are common, naturally occurring food ingredients found in the edible peels, pulp and seeds of fruits and vegetables that also have a long history of safe use in everyday foods such as baby formula, dairy products, baked goods, meats and nut and seed butters.”
Disinformation Campaign
Du says the food safety questions surrounding Apeel stem from disinformation perpetuated online.
“Apeel Sciences has been the target of a disinformation campaign since 2023, which our leadership addressed in an open letter last year and which has also been addressed by several credible fact-checking organizations over these years,” Du told The Packer. “It is unfortunate that incorrect information about our company, its ownership and our products have circulated heavily online since that time.”
To address the disinformation, Apeel listed the following bullet points in its Aug. 5 statement:
- “Our products fully comply with existing labeling laws established by federal agencies and with retail disclosure requirements for both packaged and loose produce.
- The ingredients used in our products have long been publicly listed on our website (www.apeel.com).
- While first approved for use in 2017, our product for organic produce, Organipeel, has not been commercially available or used for nearly two years, as we are developing new products better suited to today's needs of the organic industry.
- Bill Gates is not now, nor has he ever been, a shareholder in Apeel Sciences. He has never been an owner, advisor or held any position within the company.
- Apeel Sciences is an innovation company inspired by nature and proudly built in the United States by scientists dedicated to reducing hunger, improving health and cutting food waste. Innovation means challenging the status quo, which sometimes attracts detractors.”
Greater Food Supply Transparency
In the statement, Apeel said it has consistently “exemplified and advocated for greater transparency in the U.S. food system” and has “urged the industry to exceed existing legal requirements and share more information with consumers.”
Produce protected with Apeel products feature the Apeel logo or sticker, communicating the brand to consumers.
Apeel Sciences says it submitted a formal request to meet with Stutzman last week to discuss HR 4737 and reiterate its willingness to collaborate on solutions that benefit consumers and producers alike. Apeel says the letter emphasized that food transparency supports both informed choice and innovative companies trying to build a safer, more sustainable food system for the future.
What's at Stake for the Food Supply
Apeel says its innovations have also driven significant environmental benefits, including saving 166 million pieces of fruit from going to waste, conserving 1.8 billion gallons of water and preventing more than 64 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions — outcomes that it says directly support creating abundance by protecting the resources and systems that make fresh, healthy food more available and sustainable for all.
“It is unclear what the ramifications might be for the industry if the bill passes,” Du said. “While our company name is included in the name of the proposed bill, the proposed legislation would apply to all postharvest treatments — not just Apeel products. We encourage the industry to get involved and make their concerns known to the congressman and their representatives.”
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer Sets Record Straight
Apeel's statement follows a high-profile correction by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, who recently walked back a social media post that Apeel said “spread false claims about the company.” Her full statement, posted to Instagram, reads:
“Ugh! For any of you who reposted or shared my story about Apeel…it turns out that I unintentionally reposted inaccurate and outdated information, and I'm very sorry for that. Apeel Sciences has informed me that The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded two research grants to Apeel Sciences and Gates has no role with or ownership in Apeel. And regarding their organic product, Organipeel, Apeel told me it was not JUST approved but was first allowed back in 2017, though it has not been offered commercially in any market for over two years because they have been working (through proper protocol) on new organic formulations to meet the evolving needs of the organic industry. ...Public conversations about food safety and sustainability matter deeply, but they're only as helpful as they are accurate. Thank you! Xx M”
One Retailer's Reaction
In a recent post on LinkedIn, Southern California-based natural grocery retailer Jimbo's said it is reconfirming its policy established in June 2025 to not carry any produce that has Apeel or Organipeel applied to it.
“All we know is what their company has stated publicly,” Du said of the post. “We would welcome a dialogue with Jimbo's to clear the air and make sure they have accurate information about our company and our products. Disinformation online is a threat to the entire U.S. agricultural system, and it is important that everyone in the industry makes decisions based on facts and scientific evidence.”
