NTEF Challenges Apeel's Claims of Transparency, Non-allergenic and Safety

LAS VEGAS - Oct. 23, 2025 - PRLog -- The National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation (NTEF) is challenging Apeel Sciences' repeated claims of transparency regarding their food coatings. Despite public assurances that their products are "plant-based" and "safe," NTEF asserts that Apeel has failed to provide sufficient information about the specific ingredients used in its coatings.

Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) recently introduced H.R. 4737, the "Apeel Reveal Act of 2025," which would require clear labeling of all fruits and vegetables coated with products like Apeel's Edipeel and Organipeel. The bill aims to give consumers the right to know exactly what substances are being applied to their food.

Since July, NTEF has repeatedly requested clarification from Apeel regarding the materials and sources used under its "plant-based" label. On October 2^nd, Apeel's attorney acknowledged that the company does not use grapes—which was referenced in their FDA "proof of concept" GRAS submission.

NTEF maintains that Apeel's labeling practices do not meet a reasonable standard of transparency. The mere presence of a sticker confirming application of the coating fails to disclose the actual composition of the product. Referring to ingredients simply as "plant-based" is vague and insufficient for consumers concerned about food safety or allergens.

Furthermore, Apeel has not adequately responded to NTEF's inquiries about potential allergenic risks. The company's only reference to allergens—a phrase citing "regulated allergens"—lacks meaningful clarity. Apeel instead of addressing these questions directly engaged their attorney to discuss the matter. While Apeel's attorney offered to answer the questions, the NTEF refused unless there was another party who had a science or medical background to fully respond to their concerns.

It appears to the NTEF that Apeel seems to believe that prior disclosure of Organipeel ingredients constitutes transparency. However, their inclusion of citric acid in that formula legally required the company to list 'active' ingredient quantities, not as a voluntary act of transparency but as a regulatory necessity. Organipeel has not been manufactured for the last two years; it's currently being reformulated.

While the NTEF acknowledges and appreciates the intended purpose of Apeel's mission, it emphasizes that the company's marketing and public communications fall short of true openness. NTEF urges Apeel to either substantiate its claims of being "safe, non-allergenic, and transparent," or to acknowledge that nothing is 'completely safe' for everyone.

NTEF also notes Apeel sued wellness influencer Robyn Openshaw and GreenSmoothieGirl.com, Inc., over alleged defamatory statements about the product's use of 'toxic' ingredients etc. NTEF questions why consumers should not be equally entitled to challenge Apeel's own unverified claims of 'safe, non-allergen, transparency'?

"The public deserves full disclosure about what is being added to their food," said Angel DeFazio, BSAT, MS, BCNHP, President. "Transparency should be more than a marketing slogan—it's a public right."

NTEF strongly advises the public to contact their Representatives and ask them to support the passage of H.R. 4737, the 'Apeel Reveal Act of 2025', to ensure that consumers have access to accurate, detailed information about coatings applied to their fruits and vegetables.

The NTEF implores Apeel to disclose to the public what they are promoting as safe
plant-based' ingredients. If they are so concerned about 'safe', then Apeel needs to realize that aside from the 'regulated allergens', there are numerous plant based allergens that warrant notification to the consumer.

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