DPA, which is regulated as a pesticide, is said to keep produce from turning dark colors while in storage. Although banned overseas, such apples are still found in the United States. In fact, the most common pesticide on conventionally grown U.S. apples is DPA.

In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority, which is responsible for assessing pesticide risk, determined that manufacturers were unable to prove that DPA did not pose human health risks. Furthermore, carcinogens called "nitrosamines" were discovered on DPA-treated fruits. For these reasons, use of DPA on European apples and pears was banned in June of 2012.