When buying groceries, we often focus on the brand and expiration date. However, when selecting fruits and vegetables, we tend to choose the ripe ones that look good. Fruits and vegetables also have labels with numbers, but many people don’t pay attention to them because they don’t understand what they mean.
Numbers on fruit stickers like 9
Fruit numbers have a greater purpose than just showing the price. They actually give important details about the product. If you see fruit stickers with a 9 at the beginning of the five-digit number, it means the fruit was grown organically.
Number 8
If the fruit’s label starts with the number 8, it means the product has been genetically modified. GMO foods are a topic of debate as some people believe they can cause allergies. This technology is commonly used in agriculture to make crops more resistant to pests and diseases, increase tolerance to herbicides, or improve their nutritional value.
Currently, scientists are still studying the potential long-term impacts on humans. Some of the most well-known genetically modified fruits include papayas, apples, plums, strawberries, and grapes, among others.
4-digit code
If the 4-digit code begins with 3 or 4, it means that the food is not organic. It is most likely grown using conventional methods. Conventionally grown food is fertilized using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, unlike organic produce which uses organic matter and natural methods to control weeds.
The discussion on the environmental effects and potential health issues related to traditional food production methods continues.
Dr. Tamika D. Sims, the senior director of food technology communications in Atlanta, Georgia, affirms that both organic and synthetic fertilizers are under “federal regulation.”
He believes that individuals should not be concerned about the numbers on fruits and vegetables they eat, but instead concentrate on achieving a balanced diet with a range of foods necessary for good health.
When choosing fruits and vegetables, the number of digits is important. A 4 or 5-digit number shows how and where the food was grown, as well as the size and type of food bought. However, if the product has a sticker with more than five digits, it means it’s not part of the “internationally standardized system.”
