Do you know what fruit stickers are? We’re pretty sure that you’ve bought fruits from the supermarket before. We’re also sure that you’ve noticed those tiny stickers with a barcode or numbers stuck on them. Have you ever wondered what they mean? Surely, they aren’t just random numbers. Fruits stickers have heavy significance behind them. Read to find out their hidden meaning.
The hidden meaning behind fruit stickers
Those cryptic numbers on your groceries can tell a lot about produce location and techniques. You can also get to know if it was grown using pesticides, if it is organic or genetically modified (GMO) and, the country it was grown in.
Why are stickers on fruits and veggies important?
Well, the main reason they are stuck is to make sure that they meet the required export quality regulations. These regulations are set up by the International Federation of Produce Standards (IFPS). If IFPS does not approve, the fruits and vegetables will not be fit for consumption and export.
It is important because the IFPS is the main regulatory body that overlooks export quality and consumption regulations for all agricultural produce. Formed in 2001, the organization brings uniformity in export and ensures hassle-free purchase and export.
But why are all stickers different?
All fruit stickers are not the same. The numbers they begin with can tell you a lot. If the stickers start with the number 3 or 4, it means that the fruit was grown by conventional methods of agriculture. Another pointer is that these stickers will always have a four-digit code.
On the other hand, if the stickers start with an 8 and have a five-digit code, it means that the product is a genetically modified crop. However, if the sticker starts with a 9 and has a five-digit code, your produce was organically grown. These codes are universally applicable.
So, the next time you’re shopping at the supermarket, you can be 100 percent sure if you’re buying organic, GMO, or conventionally grown produce. You never have to worry about getting tricked!