evidence: Apeel is an invisible coating made up of purified monoglycerides and diglycerides, edible fatty acids commonly found as natural compounds in the peels, seeds and pulp of fruits, vegetables and other plants. The company uses these food products, such as grape peel from a winery, and presses out an oil rich in the fat lipids, which it then turns into a colourless, odourless, and tasteless powder. Manufacturers simply need to add water and apply as a spray, a brush or as a dip. When applied on produce, this coating works to mimic the natural cuticle layer developed by many leaves, stems, fruits and flowers as a form of protection, the company says. Specifically, the ultra-thin protective coating locks oxygen and moisture inside, "dramatically" slowing the rate by which the produce spoils. [...] A safety sheet claiming to flag concerns about consuming Apeel-treated produce sparked concerns last month but – as it turned out – it was a case of mistaken identity with the information relating to a chemical surface cleaner with the same name. The Apeel used on fresh produce is made of fatty acids found in foods we already eat. "Apeel uses these plant lipids because they have a long history of safe consumption," says the company. [...] A spokesperson for the Soil Association said: "We understand Apeel contains E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; this is not permitted under GB or EU organic regulation. So this would not be permitted for use on organic produce in Britain."