When it comes to groceries, we usually pay attention to the brand and the expiry date, but when it comes to fruits and vegetables most of us pick the ripe ones that look appealing to the eye. The truth is that fruits and vegetables are also labeled, but not many pay attention to those numbers mostly because they don’t even know what they stand for.
Numbers on fruit stickers like 9
Numbers on fruits serve more than the single purpose of identify how much the item should ring up. In fact, they provide valuable information about the product. If you notice fruit stickers starting with the numbers 9, out of five digits, it indicates that the fruit has been grown organically.
Number 8
If the five-digit number the fruit is labeled with starts with the number 8, it means the product has been genetically modified. GMO foods are controversial as many believe they cause and trigger allergies. This technology is often used in agriculture to enhance the resistance of crops to pests and diseases, improve tolerance to herbicides, or increase nutritional content.
Currently, researchers still investigate the long-term effects, if any, on humans. Some of the most notable GMO fruits are papayas, apples, plums, strawberries, and grapes, among the rest.
4-digit code
A 4-digit code starting with either number 3 or 4 signifies the food isn’t organically grown. Instead, it has likely been “conventionally grown.” The meaning of conventionally grown food refers to the way they are fertilized. While organic produce uses organic matter like compost and is mechanically or biologically treated for weeds, conventional methods use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The debate about the environmental impacts and possible future health complications involving conventional food-growth methods is ongoing.
Dr. Tamika D. Sims, the senior director of food technology communications in Atlanta Georgia, says both organic and synthetic fertilizers have been “federally regulated.”
According to him, people shouldn’t worry about the numbers on fruits and vegetables they consume but rather focus on reaching a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods needed for good health.
When it comes to picking the right fruits and vegetables, the number of digits also matters. A 4 or 5-digit number indicates where and how the food was grown, in addition to the size and type of food purchased, but when the product is labeled with a sticker consisting of more than five digits, it means it’s not included in the “internationally standardized system.”
For most, going grocery shopping is a dull task they tend to complete as swiftly as possible.
However, knowing that the food we consume is crucial for our survival and maintaining our health and fitness, we should all pay more attention when choosing the food we purchase. The International Federation for Produce Standards is dedicated to “improving supply chain efficiency” which involves, among other responsibilities, ensuring the provision of high-quality ingredients and “establishing and unifying international standards.”
This system was first implemented during the 90’s, when stickers on fruits and vegetables were added. Categorizing these items with numerical codes was to guarantee high quality. The IFPS has issued more than 1,400 such codes. However, since the system is optional, not all fruits and vegetables in stores have been inspected or approved by the IFPS or meet global standards.
Those people who care of the choice of food they consume can find the knowledge behind the meaning of numbers on fruits and vegetables useful. This knowledge can also expedite the self-checkout process by simply entering the PLU code instead of searching for the item by name. The PLU code system is an excellent method to track the delicious and nutritious foods that travel worldwide.
My Husband Gifted Me Money for Breast Implants and a Nasty Note for My Birthday
My Husband Gifted Me Money for Breast Implants and a Nasty Note for My Birthday—I Taught Him a Harsh Lesson
Nikkie thought she had the perfect marriage until her husband, Jack, gave her a cruel birthday gift that shattered her self-esteem. Jack’s obsession with perfection pushes Nikkie to devise a clever plan to reclaim her worth and teach him an unforgettable lesson.
I’ve been married to my husband Jack for over a year, but we’ve been together for six. In the beginning, it felt like a fairy tale. Jack was my best friend, my confidant, and the love of my life. Our relationship was filled with laughter, late-night talks, and a bond that felt unbreakable.
If someone had told me a year ago that my prince charming would turn into a superficial stranger, I would have laughed it off. But here I am, on the brink of unraveling a story that broke me to pieces.
It all began six months ago when Jack’s innocent trip to the gym spiraled into an obsession that shattered my self-esteem and brought our once-perfect world crashing down.
It started subtly. Jack would scroll through Instagram, stopping to show me pictures of fitness models with the “perfect” 90-60-90 figures. “Look at her, Nikkie,” he’d say, his eyes glimmering with admiration. “Isn’t she stunning? Imagine if you had a body like that.”
I laughed it off at first, thinking it was just harmless admiration. But the comments kept coming. “You know, you’d look amazing with a little more up top,” Jack said one evening as we were getting ready for bed. “Have you ever thought about getting breast implants?”
Each remark felt like a tiny dagger. I started to see myself through Jack’s eyes, and it wasn’t pretty. I saw every flaw, every imperfection. My confidence, once a source of pride, dwindled to nothing.
But the last straw came on my birthday a month ago. The day started like any other but with a hint of excitement that birthdays often bring. Jack woke me up with a bouquet of vibrant flowers, their scent filling the room with a sweetness that felt almost out of place.
“Happy birthday, Nikkie,” Jack said, leaning down to kiss my forehead. He handed me an envelope, his smile wide and proud. “Open it.”
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