Random Info - 'Wax on fruits and apples'

From my comment over at this post on The Consumerist:

'As you probably know, conventional fruit receives a light application of shellac wax that increases the shine and seals the apple to help reduce shrink. This process is required by the retail buyer to enhance the appearance of the fruit.

For fruit to be certified organic, post harvest waxes are not accepted by the U.S.D.A. There are U.S.D.A. inspectors on site while the fruit is being packed to monitor the process. '