What those numbers on fruit stickers really mean

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.

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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.

ElasticComputeFarm | Pixabay

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.

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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.”

Shnomoe | Pixabay

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.”

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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 daughter and Son In Law shamed me for getting a tattoo at 75. I decided to give them a lesson

It was a sunny morning in New Orleans, and Elis, at 75, decided to do something bold and unexpected. The idea of getting a tattoo had been bubbling in her mind for a while. She wanted to feel young again, to embrace life with a fresh sense of vigor. So, she walked into a tattoo parlor, chose a delicate design that symbolized her resilience and love for life, and got inked. She felt a rush of excitement and satisfaction as she admired the artwork on her arm. This was her statement to the world: age was just a number.

The Unexpected Backlash

Excited to share her new tattoo, Elis invited her family over for a small gathering. She imagined their surprise and hoped for a positive reaction. However, the moment her daughter saw the tattoo, her face twisted in disapproval.“Mom, what on earth were you thinking?” she exclaimed. “At your age, getting a tattoo is not just inappropriate, it’s downright embarrassing. You’re supposed to be a dignified grandmother, not some rebellious teenager. It looks ridiculous, and people will laugh at you.”For Illustrative Purpose OnlyElis felt a pang of hurt, but what followed was even worse. Her son-in-law, whom she had always treated like her own son, burst into uncontrollable laughter. He laughed so hard that he could barely stand, tears streaming down his face.“That’s hilarious, Mom! Seriously, a tattoo at your age?” he managed to say between fits of laughter. Elis’s heart sank. It wasn’t just the words; it was the cruel mockery that hurt the most. She felt humiliated and deeply wounded by their reactions.

Planning the Perfect Payback

Determined not to let their harsh words and laughter define her, Elis decided to turn her pain into power. She recalled how her son-in-law, a man who did nothing but dream of becoming a millionaire while relying on her daughter for everything, had hurt her deeply. This was the final straw. Elis resolved to teach him a lesson he would never forget.Over the next two days, Elis meticulously planned her revenge. She decided to expose her son-in-law’s laziness and lack of ambition in a way that would be both humiliating and eye-opening for him. She reached out to a few of her friends who were skilled in various trades, including one who was an excellent actor.

The Day of Reckoning

Two days later, Elis put her plan into action. She invited her family over again, this time under the pretense of needing help with some household repairs. Her son-in-law, always looking for an excuse to avoid real work, reluctantly agreed to come.When they arrived, they found Elis waiting with a toolbox and a list of chores that needed to be done. She handed the list to her son-in-law, who looked bewildered.“What’s this?” he asked, confused.“I thought you could help out with these tasks,” Elis said sweetly. “After all, you’re always talking about how handy you are.”For Illustrative Purpose OnlyHe glanced at the list, which included tasks like fixing the leaky faucet, repairing a broken fence, and rewiring a lamp. He looked around, realizing there was no way he could do any of these tasks.Just as he was about to protest, Elis’s friend, the actor, arrived dressed as a professional contractor. He introduced himself and began to demonstrate how to tackle each task, making it look easy. The son-in-law watched, flustered and embarrassed, as he fumbled with the tools, unable to keep up.

A Lesson Learned

As the day progressed, – it became clear that the son-in-law was utterly incapable of completing even the simplest tasks. Elis watched with a mixture of satisfaction and pity. Her daughter, seeing her husband’s incompetence, began to realize how much she had been enabling his laziness.Elis’s plan worked perfectly. By the end of the day, her son-in-law was exhausted, humiliated, and forced to confront his lack of practical skills. Elis pulled him aside and, with a calm but firm voice, said, “You laughed at me for wanting to feel young and alive again. But look at you now. Maybe it’s time you grew up and started taking responsibility for your life.”Her words struck a chord. The son-in-law, humbled by the experience, apologized for his behavior. He promised to make a real effort to improve and become more self-reliant. Elis accepted his apology but made it clear that she would not tolerate any more disrespect.

Moving Forward –In the weeks that followed, Elis noticed a change in her son-in-law. He began taking on more responsibilities and actively sought to better himself. Her daughter, too, started to appreciate her mother’s strength and independence.As for Elis, she continued to embrace life with the same youthful spirit that led her to get the tattoo. She joined a local fitness class, started attending social events, and even began dating again. She proved to herself and everyone around her that age was no barrier to living life to the fullest.Elis’s bold step had not only rejuvenated her spirit but also brought about a much-needed change in her family. And every time she looked at her tattoo, she smiled, reminded of the strength and courage it took to stand up for herself and teach a valuable lesson in the process.

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