Pesticides and waxes might be used after harvesting
Some produce is further treated with pesticides after they’re picked in order to slow ripening, says Samantha Presicci, MCN, RD, LD, CPT, the lead registered dietitian at Snap Kitchen.
“Non-organic citrus, especially oranges, are often sprayed with pesticides not only during the growing process but also after picking to maintain freshness. If you look closely at your bag of oranges, you might see a message like the following,
“Treated to maintain freshness in transit with Imazalil, Sodium o-phenylphenate and/or Thiabendazole” or “Coated with food-grade vegetable-based, beeswax-based, and/or lac-resin-based wax or resin.”
