The small stickers on fruit may seem insignificant, but they contain more information than most people realize.
When buying fruit such as apples and bananas, there is often a sticker attached. This is called a PLU code and is used in stores to register and price items.
According to the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), the system has existed since 1990.
The codes consist of numbers that can reveal information about the fruit. For example, they can indicate the type of fruit and how it was grown.
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That is why the sticker is there
PLU codes help both retailers and consumers. They make it easier to distinguish between products and their quality.
According to IFPS, a five-digit code starting with 9 indicates that the fruit is organic.
Some stickers can also show where the fruit comes from. This provides additional information for those who want to know more about their food.
What are they made of?
Dietitian Stephanie Crabtree told Better Homes & Gardens that the stickers are made of paper or plastic, glue, and ink approved for food contact.
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This means they are safe to come into contact with food, but they are not intended to be eaten. The body cannot break them down, and they have no nutritional value.
What happens if you eat them?
Experts recommend removing the sticker and washing the fruit before eating it. In rare cases, some people may react to the materials in the adhesive.
It is generally not dangerous if you accidentally eat a sticker. According to Stephanie Crabtree, it will typically pass through the body without any problems.
Sources: Better Homes & Gardens and the International Federation for Produce Standards.
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