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FYI
Here is an explanation of the codes on fruit stickers
and how to know which fruits are normal, organic, and
genetically modified. You've noticed that tiny
stickers that now appear on almost all fruit, and
probably been annoyed that you have to peel each one
off. These contain bar codes for the check-out clerk,
but they also contain a secret the store might not
want you to know.
Nutritionist Karma Metzgar of the University of
Missouri writes that these stickers also tell you if
the fruit is organic or genetically-modified. On
conventionally-grown, non-organic fruit, the sticker
has only 4 numbers.
Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral code, which
begins with the number 9. Since organic fruits and
vegetables now have to be in separate areas in grocery
stores, this confirms that your apple hasn't ended up
in the wrong pile. However, the store does not have to
reveal which fruits and vegetables are
genetically-modified-but you can find out by looking
at their stickers, which will begin with the number 8.
According to Metzgar, this means a regular banana
would have a sticker saying 4011, an organic banana
would say 94011 and a GM banana would say 84011.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fruit+sticker+codes or www.plucodes.com (harder to navigate)
In Reply to: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE. posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on April 24, 2005 at 04:13:43:
Great information, thanks.
In Reply to: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE. posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on April 24, 2005 at 04:13:43:
This is especially helpful when buying fruit! I have always looked for the number 9 as it never fails that someone will put down fruit in the wrong bin if they see others that looks a bit more tasty.
In Reply to: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE. posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on April 24, 2005 at 04:13:43:
fantastic to know; thanks SO much.
My little rhyme to remember; "Nine is fine, but 8 ain't great"
In Reply to: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE. posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on April 24, 2005 at 04:13:43:
Walt - thanks so much for this information. I always wondered about those numbers.
Naya
In Reply to: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE. posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on April 24, 2005 at 04:13:43:
That's great to know, Dr. Stoll. Thanks!
In my experience, the organic labels always say organic, in addition to starting with 9, but that may not be universally true. I don't recall ever seeing an 8, but that may be because I try to avoid many produce items that are likely to be G-M like conventional strawberries and potatoes. It pays to check each piece of fruit or veggie, because the piles often get mixed here. I just shopped over the weekend at a natural foods market out of town, and I sure wish we had one here. The produce was lovely, about 90% organic. I take a big cooler and stock up on things when I travel.
Will have to be more observant in the future to be sure I don't end up with Frankenfood :o) I can't wait for the farmer's market to start so I can buy my produce from people I know.
I'm relieved to know that there is at least a code out there to indicate GM. I will spread the word to friends and family.
Nutmeg
Follow Ups:
Re: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE.
Posted by Marian [6.1641] on April 24, 2005 at 09:44:27:
Marian
Follow Ups:
Re: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE.
Posted by ~CT [3379.1999] on April 24, 2005 at 10:36:07:
Follow Ups:
Re: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE.
Posted by michele [15.752] on April 24, 2005 at 10:40:08:
LOL
Follow Ups:
Re: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE.
Posted by Naya [120.14] on April 24, 2005 at 16:59:51:
Follow Ups:
Re: News to me: How to interpret fruits and vegies stickers. ARCHIVE.
Posted by Nutmeg [86.74] on April 24, 2005 at 19:38:54:
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