Fuente: WIPO "tomato" A thixotropic aqueous mixture for preventing superficial scald and/or scuffing damage on produce, such as fruit or pome fruits, and an application method thereof comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is added with high shear mixing to water then applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit, via a dip tank, spray bar, or brush bed or combination thereof.