 
SAFETY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
Sometimes I find a white substance
on my apples. What is that?
It is not harmful. That white residue is probably wax
reacting to an overexposure to heat or moisture by turning
white. According to Produce Marketing Association and
the Produce for Better Health Foundation, this whitening
is safe and is similar to that of a candy bar that has
been in the freezer. Most apples have a wax covering—natural
or commercial wax. The wax covering protects the fruit
from moisture loss and decay.
Why is there wax on apples?
Wax helps the fruit retain its moisture throughout the
journey from the orchard to your home. Apples actually
produce a natural wax for this same purpose; however
this natural wax is washed off in apple packing houses
so a non-harmful, edible, commercial wax is then applied
to protect the fruit. Waxes can also help prevent apples
from molding, bruising, and decaying. Check out our
Waxes and Pesticides
sections of this site for more information.
How
should I wash fresh apples?
Like all produce, wash your apples in clean drinking
water before eating—not before storing. Produce
can pick up impurities while in storage, so it’s
best to wash just before eating.
Should
I use detergent or bleach when I wash my fresh apples?
No. Experts suggest not using detergent or bleach when
washing apples as it is not healthy to eat those substances.
Simply rinse with clean water for about 1 minute, and
then dry with a clean paper towel.
What
food safety precautions do Mott’s® Fresh Apples
take?
We take extra steps to ensure the best food safety by:
- Using food safety inspection teams to monitor each
step of the process to enforce stringent Mott's quality
standards.
- Hiring a third party company, Scientific
Certification Systems, a well-respected food safety
consulting and certification organization, to audit
packer’s food safety practices.
- Labeling all Mott's Fresh Apples with place of origin
to identify and eliminate any problem areas.
- Encouraging you to give us feedback via our toll-free
phone number and interactive Web site in order for
us to server you better.
Did we answer all your questions? If not, click here
to contact us and ask your
own questions.
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