Wax coating on apples raises health concerns

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. May be not, especially if the fruit shines. This is because the shine comes from wax coated on apple. As an age-old custom, apple traders have coated wax on it to protect it from decay. The wax on apples surface prevents it from interacting with the environment, thus delaying decay. But then in applying the wax, they followed a few guidelines like applying bees wax or wax obtained from vegetable oils. They did not coat wax obtained from petroleum products for obvious health reasons. The Union Government has taken note of it and its Health and Family Welfare Ministry issued a gazette. Therein it says, “fresh fruits may be coated with bees wax (white and yellow) or carnauba wax or shellac wax at level not exceeding Good Manufacturing Practices under proper label declaration.” In effect, the government not only lays down condition on the type of wax but also asks traders or importers to mention the type of material used. Mr. Balasubramanian says neither traders nor importers follow the guidelines. He wants the ministry to strictly implement the G.O. and act against violators. (June 16, 2009)