Have you ever wondered what are the sticker labels found on fruits and vegetables? Do you know the hidden meaning of the labels?

The sticker labels on fruits indicate the way they are grown. The labels are divided into three categories: organic, conventional, and genetically modified.

If the label has a 4-digit code beginning with 3 or 4, then it indicates that the fruit was grown conventionally. That means, pesticides were used to grow it. However, there is no need to be panic. You can wash them properly to remove the pesticide residue and other germs before eating.

If the label has a 5-digit code beginning with number 8, then it indicates that the fruits or vegetables have been genetically modified. They have been grown with pesticides and genetically modified.

The first number 8 indicates that the product is genetically modified. The remaining four digits in that label code indicate the specific code allotted for that product. For example, 4011 refers to a yellow banana. If the label has 4011, then the banana is conventionally grown, but if it has 84011, then it indicates that the banana is genetically modified.

These genetically modified products are restricted in some countries.

Some of them include Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Poland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Belgium.

Russia banned both the cultivation and importation of GMO crops. GMOs are only allowed for scientific research in this country.

If the fruit label has a 5-digit code begins with the number 9, then it indicates that the fruit is organically grown without using pesticides. It is as per the organic standards of USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

So, next time, when you buy fruits or vegetables, check the labels and know how they are grown.

Photo by Jean Beaufort (publicdomainpictures.net) on Needpix (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/1493836/vegetables-fruits-food-produce-harvest-store-display-retail-sale