What those numbers on fruit stickers really mean.

When we go to the store to buy fruits and vegetables, we usually look for things like, “Is it ripe?” or “Does it look good?” But there’s a secret language hidden in plain sight: those small stickers on the fruit. These stickers have numbers that tell you important things about how your food was grown. Knowing what these numbers mean can help you make better choices about what you eat.

Decoding the Numbers

These numbers, called PLU codes (Price Look-Up codes), tell you how the fruit or vegetable was farmed. Let’s look at the two most important ones:

• Starts with 9: “Naturally Grown” (Organic)
  • If a sticker has a five-digit number that starts with the number 9, it means the food is organic. This means that farmers grew the food without using strong chemicals, like pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Organic farming is often seen as a way to be kinder to the earth. It helps protect the soil and water. Many people choose organic foods because they want to avoid eating food that has been treated with chemicals.
  • “Organic farming is good for the earth.” This method of growing food aims to keep the environment healthy.
• Starts with 8: “Changed Inside” (GMO)
  • If the sticker starts with the number 8, it means the food is a GMO. This means that the food’s DNA, its genetic code, has been changed in a lab.
  • Some people support GMOs because they can help farmers grow more food and make crops stronger. For example, GMO fruits like papayas, apples, and grapes are common. “Some like GMOs for more food and better crops.”
  • However, other people are worried about the possible effects of GMOs on our health and the environment. They want to know more about the long-term effects of eating these foods.

Why Knowing the Numbers Matters

These numbers are important because they give you the power to choose the food that matches your values.

• A sticker starting with 9 means the food was grown organically, without strong chemicals.
• A sticker starting with 8 means the food’s DNA was changed in a lab.

By understanding these numbers, you can make informed decisions about what you put in your body.

Tips for Smart Shopping

The next time you go grocery shopping, take a moment to look at the stickers on your fruits and vegetables.

• If you want to reduce your exposure to chemicals, choose fruits and vegetables with stickers that start with 9.
• If you prefer to avoid GMOs, be careful to watch for stickers that start with 8.

These little stickers are a tool that can help you make better choices for yourself and the planet. “These stickers help you make better choices.”

Your Choices Make a Difference

Every time you buy food, you’re making a choice that affects how food is grown.

• Buying organic food supports farmers who are committed to sustainable farming practices. “Buying organic helps farmers who care about the earth.”
• Learning about GMOs allows you to participate in the ongoing conversation about the future of food. “Knowing about GMOs lets you join the talk about food.”

In today’s world, these stickers are a way for you to align your food choices with your personal values. They empower you to make informed, healthy, and ethical decisions. “In today’s world, these stickers help you buy food that fits your values.”

So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, take a closer look at those little stickers. They hold valuable information that can help you make the right choices for you and your family.

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