When we go grocery shopping, we frequently pay attention to the brand and the expiration date. However, most of us pick the ripe ones that seem appetizing while choosing fruits and vegetables. Many people are unaware that fruits and vegetables also have labels, which are frequently disregarded because we are unsure of their meaning.
Comprehending Fruit Stickers:
# Number 9
Fruit stickers offer more details than just the cost. For example, if the fruit is five-digit code begins with the number 9, it means the fruit was grown organically.
# Number 8
A five-digit code that begins with the letter “8” indicates that the product has undergone genetic modification (GMO). GMO foods are debatable since some people think they cause allergies. Crops can be genetically modified to become more resilient to diseases and pests, to withstand herbicides better, or to have more nutritional value. The long-term impacts of genetically modified organisms on humans are still being investigated. Papayas, apples, plums, strawberries, and grapes are examples of common GMO fruits.
Four-Digit Codes
If the four-digit number begins with three or four, it means that the product was cultivated traditionally. Unlike organic farming, which depends on organic stuff like compost and mechanical or biological weed treatments, conventional farming uses synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. There is ongoing discussion on conventional farming’s effects on the environment and possible health risks.
Professional Views:
Dr. Tamika D. Sims, senior director of food technology communications in Atlanta, Georgia, clarifies that federal regulations apply to both synthetic and organic fertilizers. She suggests that individuals should prioritize a balanced diet full of a range of foods for optimal health rather than obsessing about the nutritional values on fruit and vegetable stickers.
PLU Codes:
The quantity of digits in produce’s PLU (Price Look-Up) code is also important. These codes give information about the amount and kind of the item as well as how and where the food was farmed. On the other hand, a product does not follow the globally defined system if its sticker includes more than five digits.
A Better Grocery Purchasing Experience:
Grocery shopping is a tedious chore that many people rush through. But it is important for our health to read the labels on fruits and vegetables. By creating global standards, the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) seeks to increase the effectiveness of the supply chain and guarantee high-quality ingredients.
Produce that satisfies quality requirements is guaranteed by the labeling system that was put in place in the 1990s. Not every fruit and vegetable in a store is examined or approved by the IFPS, even if the procedure is optional. By entering the PLU code rather than looking for the item by name, customers can speed up the self-checkout process and make more educated decisions by understanding what the numbers signify.
Anyone who is concerned about the quality of their food can benefit from knowing the rationale behind these labels. An amazing approach to follow the path of our scrumptious and nourishing dishes is with the PLU code system.
H/T : viralmagz.com
