Both the fruit we buy and eat at home and the fruit we serve to companies at the office is completely healthy. However, due to many comments on blogs, social media, YouTube videos, etc., about the wax coating on some fruits such as apples, and the lack of verified information, there has been some controversy. That is why we want to inform you about this issue, so that you know what it is and how it affects us.
What are fruit waxes?
The coating on many fruits, including apples, is a natura
lly occurring
wax that acts as a waterproofing agent to protect the fruit from external aggressions or substances. It acts as a sunscreen, is an important barrier against insects, fungi, and bacteria, and also prevents substances such as moisture, oxygen, and CO2
from escaping from inside the fruit.
To better preserve the fruit and make it last longer and in better condition, waxes are sometimes added artificially before sale, also making them more attractive for consumption. This technique has been used since the 12th century in China to prolong the preservation of citrus fruits and, since 1950, has been used with other fruits and vegetables in the rest of the world.
Just as the waxes present in apples make them shine, in the case of other waxes present in grapes and plums, for example, they give them a whitish appearance. It all depends on the composition of the waxes and the amount present in each fruit or variety thereof.
Are they safe for health?
Yes
. These waxes are safe for health and suitable for consumption
, and the amount used is very small. This has been determined by expert committees on food safety such as the FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Commission. In addition, they have been re-evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority.
We would never bring fruit to the office
that could pose a health risk or contain ingredients that had not passed the relevant quality controls.
Types of waxes used
Here is more information about the waxes used and the fruits on which they can be applied.
- Beeswax (E-901): produced by worker bees. It can be used on citrus fruits, melons, apples, pears, peaches, pineapples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, and pomegranates.
- Candelilla wax (E-902): Obtained from the leaves of the plant of the same name. It can be used on citrus fruits, melons, apples, pears, peaches, and pineapples.
- Carnauba wax (E-903): obtained from the leaves of the plant of the same name and can be used on citrus fruits, melons, apples, pears, peaches, pineapples, pomegranates, mangoes, avocados, and papayas.
- Shellac (E-904): obtained from the resinous secretion of an insect called the lac worm. It can be used on citrus fruits, melons, apples, pears, peaches, pineapples, pomegranates, mangoes, avocados, and papayas.
- Microcrystalline wax (E-905): Product obtained from refined petroleum. It can be used on melons, papayas, mangoes, avocados, and pineapples.
- Montanic acid esters (E-912): This is a saturated fatty acid that forms part of waxes such as beeswax. It may be present in citrus fruits, melons, papayas, mangoes, avocados, and pineapples.
- Oxidized polyethylene wax (E-914): This is a resin produced from the oxidation of polyethylene and can be used in citrus fruits, melon, papaya, mango, avocado, and pineapple.
- Wood rosin glyceride ester (E-445): this is a natural amber-colored resin produced by conifers and can be used in citrus fruits.
Our goal is to look after the health of employees by always bringing the best seasonal fruit to your office.
