What kind of wax does grocery stores spray on fruit?

Answer 1

It's a natural wax (which is, of course, non-petroleum based) called carnauba wax. It's common to use wax in various foods including cheese and chocolate. Apples, for example, are not waxed for cosmetic reasons--actually, the wax helps it keep firm and juicy, and protected from the penetration of bacteria. Basically, the carnauba is a replacement for the apple's natural wax, which is washed off when the farmers clean it. The wax is then applied to keep the good stuff in, and the bad stuff out.