Dear Sir,

The letter “We must stamp out food adulteration” (Gulf Times, January 17) is wrong on wax-coated apples.
It should be noted that apples do produces their own wax. In some situations, additional food-grade wax like carnauba or shellac wax is added to the outside of the apple to augment the fruit’s natural waxy covering. This waxy coating helps to prevent moisture loss and it provides a physical barrier preventing some micro-organisms from entering the fruit. Without wax, apples would end up going all dry and nasty.
The wax is not harmful to the body as it is indigestible and thus it is not absorbed by the body and is totally safe for humans. Peeling off the apple skin is not advisable because it contains several antioxidants that are good for health.
If you still feel unsafe, it is better to wash the apple with water mixed with a few drops of vinegar. This will disintegrate the wax.

AK
(Full name and address supplied)

Baseless concern

Dear Sir,

In reference to the letter “We must stamp out food adulteration” (Gulf Times, January 17), one would like to state that the health concern on wax-coated apples is unfounded.
The extra coating is needed because when produce is washed after being harvested and prior to being shipped for commercial sale, some of its natural waxy coating is lost. The coatings help inhibit mould growth, protect produce from bruising, prevent other physical damage and disease, and enhance appearance, we are told.
I quote an expert: “Only a very small amount (of wax coating) is necessary - just a drop or two per piece of produce. That amount is far outweighed by the natural wax still remaining on the fruit, but it has a big impact. Studies by the US Department of Agriculture have shown that coated apples retain more moisture and firmness during storage than those that aren’t coated.
“Some people are bothered enough by the thought of these coatings that they are tempted to scrub their produce in soapy water. That’s not recommended. First, anything more than rinsing produce under running water is unnecessary. Second, it’s never a good idea to wash produce with detergent that’s not meant for human consumption. It’s illogical: you’re trying to eliminate something that’s edible by using something that’s not.”
So that’s that. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, even if it is waxed!

Rajesh Nair
rajeshnair.it@gmail.com