"Stop buying these apples—they poison children and harm families!" A viral video showing waxed apples of unknown origin has sparked panic among many citizens. As a major apple-producing region, Shandong's residents have a deep-rooted love for apples. But are waxed apples truly unsafe to eat? Our reporter investigated.
Fruits with perfect looks might have had "cosmetic surgery"
Recently, Mr. Wang noticed something peculiar while shopping for fruit. The navel oranges and apples he selected for their pristine appearance developed a sticky texture after sitting at room temperature. When rinsed, their skins seemed coated in oil, appearing greasy when wet. This made Mr. Wang wonder if they were waxed.
Whether to eat apple peels remains a perennial dilemma. Eating them risks pesticide residue, yet discarding them wastes the peel's concentrated nutrients. In truth, fruit waxing isn't new—it's become a common cosmetic treatment for produce.
"To prevent damage to the skin and extend shelf life, we typically apply a layer of wax to the skin of Granny Smith apples and wrap them in plastic film. This is our standard preservation method," explained a staff member from the fruit section at RT-Mart on Ningxia Road.
The reporter also observed Red Fuji apples from Shandong Province. Compared to Granny Smiths, the skin of Fuji apples appeared significantly rougher.Not only was the skin coarse, but it also bore a layer of "frost." The produce section also displayed apple varieties from western regions like Xinjiang. Though their skins appeared textured, they felt smooth to the touch and featured attractive red-and-green coloration. Waxing Fruits for Preservation In fact, waxing fruits serves as a preservation method while enhancing their appearance."It's primarily for freshness and market appeal. The wax forms a protective layer on the fruit's surface, not only shielding the skin and enhancing gloss but also preventing moisture evaporation to retain flavor. Additionally, waxing makes it harder for pathogens to penetrate, offering protection against decay and pests."