Yes, I knew it is a common practice to wax produce for appearance and longevity, but I had assumed I was safe because I buy organic. Today I learned what is used to actually wax produce and was amazed. Maybe you already were aware but I am compelled to share anyway. I was also told that sometimes organic produce can be waxed, but could only find information on organic citrus. One thing that the FDA has done good, is that they require all loose produce to be marked waxed if it is, but they don’t have to tell you the source. What about bagged bulk produce? I presented this question and am waiting on a response.
The following is a list of produce that is waxed in the US and what they are commonly waxed with. If the item isn’t marked organic, it is conventionally grown. Shellac & beeswax are from animal products. Carnauba is from sustainable palm. I am not positive, but pretty sure that Lac-Resin is from the Lac beetle, which is the same thing used for confectioners glaze. The others I am having trouble locating info on. If you know, please share:) Do you know of any others?
Pineapple – vegetable base wax or Luster 444
Mango – Lac-Resin
Apples – Shellac or Carnauba
Grapefruit – Carnauba
Organic grapefruit – Beeswax or DeccoNatur 550
Oranges – carnauba
Organic oranges – beeswax
Avocados – Decco
Lemons – carnauba or beeswax
Lime – Lac-Resin
Pears – carnauba
Minneolas – JBT 2210, carnauba or beeswax
Papayas – carnauba
Don't Fear the Vegan 
Wow! I knew apples were routinely waxes with shellac but I had no idea just so many different sorts of waxes were used and on so many different fruits!
I wonder if this is substantively the same in Australia? Hmmm. Thanks for the insight.
Nina, would love any info on Australia. You’re welcome for the insight
I tend not to buy fresh produce from supermarkets. We have plum and apple trees in our garden and (given Spring’s just started here) have planted blueberries, raspberries, a loganberry and a pomegranate tree.
I buy other produce from the Canberra Growers Markets each Sunday morning and hunt out unwaxed apples, pears etc.
Not sure how I’d go about finding out if say mangoes, pineapples and bananas are wax coated. They are all grown in northern New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD).
If I find out anything I’ll be sure to pass on the info.
resin is a safe mixture of chemicals mixed into a semi-waxy-liquid and is safe
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