Have you ever wondered about the stickers with numbers on the fruits and vegetables you buy from the supermarket or local stores? These stickers contain codes that provide information about the produce, beyond just the price. Let’s explore the meaning behind these numbers and how they relate to your fruit purchases.
1 Four-Digit Code Starting with 4 – Conventionally Grown Fruits
When you see a four-digit code starting with the number 4 on a sticker, it indicates that the fruit has been grown using conventional methods, which may include the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and preservatives, within permitted limits.
Four-digit code starting with 4 – Conventionally grown fruits
2 Four-Digit Code Starting with 3 – Ionizing Radiation-Treated Fruits
Fruits with stickers bearing a four-digit code starting with 3 have been treated with ionizing radiation technology.
This technology involves using ionizing radiation to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in the fruit, thereby extending its shelf life and maintaining quality during transportation.
Four-digit code starting with 3 – Ionizing radiation-treated fruits
It is a sophisticated technology that requires modern infrastructure and adherence to dosage, storage, and transportation regulations. The radiation dosage depends on the standards of the country, such as FDA regulations in the US and Ministry of Health regulations in Vietnam.
3 Five-Digit Code Starting with 9 – 100% Organic Fruits
Fruits with a five-digit code starting with 9 are grown using organic methods, without the use of harmful chemicals like synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This type of fruit is recommended for consumption but tends to be more expensive due to the strict cultivation requirements.
Five-digit code starting with 9 – 100% Organic fruits without chemicals
Organic fruits must meet standards set by countries and international trade organizations:
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Australia: NASAA
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European Union: EU – Eco
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India: NPOP (National Program for Organic Production)
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Indonesia: BIOCert, granted by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture
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Japan: JAS
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United States: National Organic Program (NOP)
4 Five-Digit Code Starting with 8 – Genetically Modified (GMO) Fruits
Five-digit code starting with 8 – Genetically Modified (GMO) Fruits
Fruits with a five-digit code starting with 8 are genetically modified. This method is controversial and opposed in many countries due to concerns about its impact on consumer health. Studies have shown negative effects, including damage to internal organs and reproductive disorders.
5 Which Fruits Should You Buy?
At fruit stores and supermarkets, you’ll commonly find fruits with codes starting with 3 and 4, as they are affordable and have a wide variety of options.
However, a growing number of consumers are opting for fruits with codes starting with 9, prioritizing high-quality and health-conscious choices.
