Ft Wayne Times

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana, has announced new legislation aimed at increasing transparency in food labeling through a series of posts on July 24, 2025. The proposed bill, known as the Apeel Reveal Act, focuses on produce treated with a shelf-life-extending coating developed by Apeel Sciences.

In his initial statement, Stutzman explained the core requirement of the bill: “The Apeel Reveal Act mandates a new label for food coated with a product designed by Apeel Sciences, a company that developed, through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a coating for fruits and vegetables to extend the products’ shelf life.” (July 24, 2025).

Stutzman further emphasized the importance of consumer awareness in his follow-up post: "We should know what we’re eating—transparency is essential for making healthy choices.

My Apeel Reveal Act gives Americans the clarity they deserve when deciding what to feed themselves and their kids.

Thanks to @BreitbartNews and @bradleyajaye for highlighting my legislation! https://t.co/ZKJo2ZJpM7" (July 24, 2025).

He detailed specific provisions of his proposal in another tweet: "Stutzman’s bill, within one year of enactment, would require produce labels to disclose the application of Apeel on the product. The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human services to issue guidance for these labeling requirements." (July 24, 2025).

Apeel Sciences is known for developing plant-based coatings that slow spoilage in fresh produce. The company received early support from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to address global food waste challenges. Under current U.S. regulations enforced by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food additives must be evaluated for safety before use; however, labeling requirements may vary depending on whether an additive is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or requires premarket approval.

Labeling initiatives such as those proposed in Stutzman's bill reflect ongoing debates about consumer right-to-know policies regarding novel food technologies and ingredients.