‘Bill Gates has no role in toxic food coating': Michelle Pfeiffer apologises after spreading misinformation; what is the controversy about Apeel's food coating
sparked controversy when she shared posts on social media claiming that Apeel, a food technology company backed by
, was contaminating organic produce. Pfeiffer's posts stated that organic produce "is no longer safe" because Apeel's edible plant-based coating, recently approved by the USDA for organic certification, is invisible and "cannot be washed off.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
" She implied a direct connection between Gates and ownership of Apeel. Shortly after, Apeel clarified that Bill Gates has no ownership or involvement in the company beyond two small grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2012 and 2015. Pfeiffer later apologized, acknowledging she had shared outdated and inaccurate information about Apeel and its safety.
Bill Gates' name wrongly linked to Apeel in viral misinformation
Apeel Sciences, founded in 2012, develops an edible coating made from plant-derived ingredients such as citric acid and baking soda, designed to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and reduce food waste.
The product, called OrganiPeel, was formally FDA approved in 2024 and has been used in grocery stores since 2017. Apeel received two grants totaling approximately $1.1 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but Bill Gates himself is neither a founder, shareholder, nor involved in operations.
The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and improving food access worldwide.
On July 10, 2025, Michelle Pfeiffer shared posts warning her followers that organic produce coated with Apeel was no longer safe to consume, emphasizing the coating's supposed invisibility and inability to wash off.
She also posted a list of major grocery chains that do not sell Apeel-coated produce. These claims echoed long-running social media smear campaigns that falsely accused Apeel of contaminating food and overstated Gates's involvement.
The misinformation prompted backlash from Apeel, its representatives, and many food safety experts who contested Pfeiffer's assertions.
How did Apeel respond
Apeel representatives firmly denied the allegations related to food safety and company ownership.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
They stressed that their product is edible, made from responsibly sourced plant oils, and can be removed by simply rinsing and gently scrubbing produce. Apeel also clarified that Bill Gates has "zero involvement or ownership" in the company, and that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's funding was limited to grants with no controlling influence.
The company reaffirmed its transparent mission to reduce food insecurity and improve sustainability in food systems.
Pfeiffer apologizes and retracts earlier claims
Three weeks after her initial posts, Pfeiffer returned to social media to issue a public apology. She admitted to unintentionally sharing outdated and inaccurate information about Apeel's product and ownership. Pfeiffer confirmed having spoken directly with Apeel representatives, learning that OrganiPeel is neither a new product nor exclusively linked to Bill Gates. She emphasized the importance of accurate public conversations on food safety and sustainability and expressed regret for spreading misinformation.
The larger debate on food tech, trust, and responsibility
This incident reflects ongoing tensions and misinformation in public discourse surrounding new food technologies and influential figures like Bill Gates. While some commentators applauded Pfeiffer for raising awareness, others criticized the spread of unverified claims that fuel distrust in science-based innovations. Apeel's case highlights the challenges companies face in balancing transparency, innovation, and public perception amid rapid advances in food technology.
Pfeiffer's correction serves as a reminder of the responsibility public figures hold in verifying information before sharing it widely.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
‘Bill Gates has no role in toxic food coating': Michelle Pfeiffer apologises after spreading misinformation; what is the controversy about Apeel's food coating
In July 2025, actress sparked controversy when she shared posts on social media claiming that Apeel, a food technology company backed by , was contaminating organic produce. Pfeiffer's posts stated that organic produce "is no longer safe" because Apeel's edible plant-based coating, recently approved by the USDA for organic certification, is invisible and "cannot be washed off. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " She implied a direct connection between Gates and ownership of Apeel. Shortly after, Apeel clarified that Bill Gates has no ownership or involvement in the company beyond two small grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2012 and 2015. Pfeiffer later apologized, acknowledging she had shared outdated and inaccurate information about Apeel and its safety. Bill Gates' name wrongly linked to Apeel in viral misinformation Apeel Sciences, founded in 2012, develops an edible coating made from plant-derived ingredients such as citric acid and baking soda, designed to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and reduce food waste. The product, called OrganiPeel, was formally FDA approved in 2024 and has been used in grocery stores since 2017. Apeel received two grants totaling approximately $1.1 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but Bill Gates himself is neither a founder, shareholder, nor involved in operations. The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and improving food access worldwide. On July 10, 2025, Michelle Pfeiffer shared posts warning her followers that organic produce coated with Apeel was no longer safe to consume, emphasizing the coating's supposed invisibility and inability to wash off. She also posted a list of major grocery chains that do not sell Apeel-coated produce. These claims echoed long-running social media smear campaigns that falsely accused Apeel of contaminating food and overstated Gates's involvement. The misinformation prompted backlash from Apeel, its representatives, and many food safety experts who contested Pfeiffer's assertions. How did Apeel respond Apeel representatives firmly denied the allegations related to food safety and company ownership. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They stressed that their product is edible, made from responsibly sourced plant oils, and can be removed by simply rinsing and gently scrubbing produce. Apeel also clarified that Bill Gates has "zero involvement or ownership" in the company, and that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's funding was limited to grants with no controlling influence. The company reaffirmed its transparent mission to reduce food insecurity and improve sustainability in food systems. Pfeiffer apologizes and retracts earlier claims Three weeks after her initial posts, Pfeiffer returned to social media to issue a public apology. She admitted to unintentionally sharing outdated and inaccurate information about Apeel's product and ownership. Pfeiffer confirmed having spoken directly with Apeel representatives, learning that OrganiPeel is neither a new product nor exclusively linked to Bill Gates. She emphasized the importance of accurate public conversations on food safety and sustainability and expressed regret for spreading misinformation. The larger debate on food tech, trust, and responsibility This incident reflects ongoing tensions and misinformation in public discourse surrounding new food technologies and influential figures like Bill Gates. While some commentators applauded Pfeiffer for raising awareness, others criticized the spread of unverified claims that fuel distrust in science-based innovations. Apeel's case highlights the challenges companies face in balancing transparency, innovation, and public perception amid rapid advances in food technology. Pfeiffer's correction serves as a reminder of the responsibility public figures hold in verifying information before sharing it widely.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Bill Gates 'flirted with some of the interns at the Gates Foundation, putting them in the uncomfortable position", claims book
Bill Gates A 2024 biography on Bill Gates, written by New York Times journalist Anupreeta Das, claims to reveal a shocking side to the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist thus stirring quite a controversy. In the book, Das claims about the billionaire's odd behaviour towards some young female employees and interns. Titled 'Billionaire, Nerd, Savior, King: Bill Gates and His Quest to Shape Our World', the book explores Gates' personal and professional life, including controversial aspects of his relationships and workplace conduct. According to excerpts reported by the Daily Mail, the book alleges that Microsoft once discouraged young female interns from being alone with Gates due to concerns over his reportedly flirtatious nature. He is described as behaving 'like a kid in a candy store' around women, with claims that he occasionally made unwanted advances, including asking out a Microsoft employee while still serving as the Chairman. The book further suggests similar questionable behaviour extended to the Gates Foundation, where some interns reportedly felt uncomfortable due to his interactions. Das wrote in book, as per reports that Gates 'flirted with some of the interns at the Gates Foundation, putting them in the uncomfortable position of having to think about their career prospects while not wanting to be hit on by the boss,' and 'In one instance a colleague chastised one person for sending a 22-year-old intern to Gates' office by herself, saying: 'She's too young and too pretty'". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo However, these claims are contested. A former Microsoft executive quoted in the book said Gates never sought sexual favours or offered professional advancement in exchange for personal relationships. 'He's not Harvey Weinstein...I know of no real situation in which anyone got anything for sleeping with Bill,' the source told Das, emphasising that his behaviour was perceived more as socially awkward and 'clumsy rather than predatory'. Some even "mistaking engaged conversation for mutual interest,' the source was quoted by Das. Considering the seriousness of these wild allegations, a spokesperson for Bill Gates denied them and said in a statement, as given to the New York Post, 'Relying almost exclusively on second- and third-hand hearsay and anonymous sources, the book includes highly sensationalized allegations and outright falsehoods that ignore the actual documented facts our office provided to the author on numerous occasions. " What went wrong between Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates The book also delves into the complex dynamics of Gates' marriage to Melinda French Gates. It cites tensions over his long-standing connection with tech entrepreneur Ann Winblad, whom he reportedly continued visiting annually with Melinda's knowledge. For the unversed, Ann Winblad was Bill Gates' former love interest. The book claims that Melinda eventually tightened security around Gates and took measures to restrict certain communications. A significant turning point, according to the book, was Gates' continued meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein's conviction. This, the book suggests, contributed to the eventual breakdown of their 27-year-long marriage and ultimately their divorce in 2021. Gates has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein, stating the meetings were related to philanthropic efforts. Released in August 2024 by Simon & Schuster in India, the book is based on hundreds of interviews with current and former Microsoft and Gates Foundation employees, nonprofit leaders, academics, and other insiders. It explores Gates' relationships with key figures like Melinda French Gates, Warren Buffett, and Epstein. It offers a detailed look into the man behind one of the most recognisable names in global philanthropy and tech. Bill Gates Recalls 'Traumatising' His Parents | 'Would Have Been Labelled With ADHD As A Kid' | TOI Exclusive
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Indian Express
Do you have problem with social media successes like Dolly Chaiwalla? Just sit back and enjoy reels
Two days ago, there was an announcement on social media from a person planning to expand their business through a franchise model, opening tea shops and cafes across the country. In a country that has witnessed a boom of homegrown brands offering freshly brewed tea and coffee over the last decade or so, this could have been a regular announcement, easily lost among the crowd of businesses opening and shutting every day. Except, this entrepreneur wasn't the usual businessman or 'start-up' bro. He is a humble, semi-literate Nagpur-based tea seller who goes by the name Dolly Chaiwalla and has amassed over 5 million Instagram followers with his flamboyant style and a chai that has the endorsement of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. While some wished him well and others offered him business advice, there were a few who seemed to have a meltdown. 'Education is a scam in India', went one comment – a not-so-veiled dig at Dolly Chaiwalla's lack of formal education. Barely 10 days before this, an X user targeted popular content creator Apoorva Mukhija, better known as The Rebel Kid, lamenting how the 24-year-old has built a 'Rs 41 crore empire' with 'reels and red lipsticks' while 'not even 100 people know me' despite a 14-hour study schedule and an IIT background. While it is not clear if Mukhija's net worth is actually Rs 41 crore, the rant and personal attack on her and Dolly, for making it despite an IIT-IIM background, reeks of the contempt that many from so-called top-tier educational institutions have for people who they think are not so 'bright'. Who is to decide what being smart actually is? Is it only about confining yourself to a room for hours on end to crack a highly competitive exam? What about those who don't have the resources or the neurotypicality required for such education but are smart enough to know what works in the era they live in and are willing to reinvent themselves accordingly? And is being academically bright the only skill that counts? What about being funny, relatable, innovative, resilient and empathetic? For far too long, people from elite institutions have believed themselves to be a cut above the rest. Businesses and services have also tapped into the craze, with at least one matrimonial website catering to only IIT-IIM graduates. Recently, a leading bank issued a card accessible only to those who have studied in elite institutes of the country. But the world is changing. At a time when many from coveted engineering branches are having sleepless nights about the possibility of losing their jobs to automation, there are countless people from the country's big and small towns making it big by creating content. Do they deserve the fame and money? Absolutely. Like any other job, content creation is honest work. It requires effort and a thick skin. You need to be sharp and funny. And, of course, smart. To know what is going to work, what will be relatable, and what will be counted as funny. To be able to do so without a market research firm at your disposal requires some smarts, doesn't it? Those who take issue with the social media success stories must ask themselves: Why do they think that only a few people, those who either come from money or who have had an elite education, have the right to access the good things in life? Why does an IITian setting up a Chaayos or a NYU graduate establishing a Blue Tokai not rattle them, but a Dolly Chaiwalla does? Thankfully, Dolly and Mukhija don't really care for the naysayers. While Dolly has received over 1,600 applications for his business, Mukhija clapped back at the X user. With the world rapidly changing and once-coveted careers losing their relevance, it is about time that we come to terms with the changing nature of employment. Increasingly, it seems that being relevant and resilient are what the world needs. And if that's too much to stomach, just sit back and enjoy a few of their reels.
