Wax coating on fruits raises Health concerns

Article published in THE HINDU:-

http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/16/stories/2009061654470500.htm
Wax coating on apples raises health concerns

Karthik Madhavan

Photo: Special Arrangement

Guidelines ignored: Wax coating on apples raises serious health issues. —

ERODE: 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 guidelines, however, have been thrown to the wind, says R. Balasubramanian, vice-president, Consumer Protection Council, Erode. “Today, the shine on the apples surface comes from either petroleum wax or chemical spray that are harmful to the digestive system.” 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.

FOR more information check this link:-

http://www.arimifoods.com/wax-coating-apple-fruits-healthy-or-unhealthy/