October 16th, 2009 @ 11:14 am
File this under “huh”. I didn’t realize that those annoying little stickers on produce actually have a meaning other than just to help the stores and the distribution companies. While that is clearly the main reason for those little bits of plastic that seem to grip tighter once you get them wet, it is great to know that there is a benefit to consumers as well! The numbers on the stickers tell you whether the fruit is genetically modified, conventionally grown, or organic. Isn’t that worthy of a “who knew”? (OK – maybe everyone else already knew this?)
Anyway, for those of you who were unaware like me, here’s the scoop:
- A 4 digit number means it was grown conventionally
- A 5 digit number beginning with an “8″ means it was genetically modified
- A 5 digit number beginning with a “9″ means it was grown organically
Pretty handy! Now I’ve gotta run. Need to go check out the stickers on my produce!
(and if you want to know what is best to buy organic, and which conventional products are generally OK to buy, check out my previous post “The Dirty Dozen – What to Buy Organic”)
Toni Miller
said,
October 19, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Thanks for this labeling information. I have often wondered what those numbers meant. Now I know. It should help me be a more discerning shopper.
baby crib
said,
October 21, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Thanks for sharing the information! I never even get to give attention to those stickers!