Morpholine: A Glazing agent for Fruits and Vegetables Coating/Waxing
Author(s):
Rupak Kumar , Department of Biological Sciences, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad-500078, India; Suman Kapur, Department of Biological Sciences, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad-500078, India
Keywords:
Carcinogen, Emulsifier, Morpholine, Teratogen, Wax Coating
Abstract:
The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” probably gives us the impression that apples are the healthiest fruits. But besides the fact that it rhymes, does it really have no adverse effects if we eat a bright red wax coated apple every day? Morpholine (C4H9NO) is a chemical used as emulsifier in the preparation of wax coatings for fruits and vegetables to help them last longer and remain fresh even during prolonged transit. Morpholine oleate is added to wax as it enables spreading wax in water based liquid for use as a protective coating to prevent contamination by pests and diseases. Morpholine alone does not appear to pose a health concern because morpholine itself is neither a carcinogen nor a teratogen and does not cause chronic toxicity. However, it is a precursor for potent carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Other Details:
| Manuscript Id | : | IJSTEV2I11301
|
| Published in | : | Volume : 2, Issue : 11
|
| Publication Date | : | 01/06/2016
|
| Page(s) | : | 694-697
|
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