Is this Italian Kiwi organic? How about genetically modified? It’s easy to find out – simply read the sticker!
Produce stickers and labels hold a lot more information than simply the cute name or slogan of a fruit of veggie. By reading the sticker number, you can actually confirm if the piece of produce you hold in your hand is organic, not organic and/or genetically modified. How? First, stop smiling at the cute Garfield face on the banana sticker and find the code. Next…notice that the bar code on that sticker is for price information.
Next, notice that the labels on fruits and veggies will have a 4 or 5 digit code.
If your produce has 4 digits, it means that it was “conventionally grown, but not organic”.
If it has 5 digits, and begins with a 9, it means that the produce was organically grown.
A 5 digit code that begins with an 8 indicates that the produce was genetically modified.
For example, the kiwi in the photo above has a code “4030”
So, this kiwi is not organic, but conventionally grown. It is NOT genetically modified.
The same is true for the melon with the number: “4317”
If an apple sticker said “96584” it would have been grown organically. An apple with “86584” would be genetically altered.
Thanks, Kathy. That *is* weird. We do get navels from South Africa and Australia, which I don't buy, but they probably just carry over. Hey, as long as it's not GM, it's cool. 🙂
Nice to know. Thanks for the info.
Good info! I never knew that.
This is useful information everyone ought to be equipped with! Thanks for sharing!
I knew about the number 9, but the Genetically modified number is a new fact for me. Very interesting.
Great blog! I’d love to try some of your recipes this summer.
Stick with the 9’s. Organic produce is really the only GREAT way to make sure your food is not GM. It is true that the “8” code number is not mandatory. I am always looking for it at the store to get proof that it is used. There is so much about GM’d produce that consumers are unaware of. I wish the government would enforce the GM “8” rule for all produce in the USA and internationally. If you have any insider info on this topic-please post it here!Kathy
Is that true just for america or is it valid internationally?
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks so much for posting this 🙂
Thanks, Kathy. That *is* weird. We do get navels from South Africa and Australia, which I don't buy, but they probably just carry over. Hey, as long as it's not GM, it's cool. 🙂
Ivy,
PLU# 3107 = size 88 and 72
…your sticker is speaking to the size of the fruit. I found this info here: http://www.dneworld.com/FreshCitrus/ByRegion/Australian/tabid/231/Default.aspx
..oddly though this was for Aussie fruit, so not sure if the same numbers just carry over…
-Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. Great info. Just one thing. I have some California navel oranges with a 3107 sticker on them. Any idea what the 3 means?
Ivy,
PLU# 3107 = size 88 and 72
…your sticker is speaking to the size of the fruit. I found this info here: http://www.dneworld.com/FreshCitrus/ByRegion/Australian/tabid/231/Default.aspx
..oddly though this was for Aussie fruit, so not sure if the same numbers just carry over…
-Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. Great info. Just one thing. I have some California navel oranges with a 3107 sticker on them. Any idea what the 3 means?
5 digi 9, its mine.
5 digi 8, i hate it.
4 is the bore.
5 digi 9, its mine.
5 digi 8, i hate it.
4 is the bore.
what about codes for Europe?
what about codes for Europe?
Another great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.
There are four, USDA-approved categories of organic labels, which are based on percentage of organic content. Those categories are as follows:
1. 100 Percent Organic – may carry USDA Organic Seal
2. Organic – at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic – at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase “Made with Organic” followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
This is very helpful, thank you! Which items have you found with an ‘8’? I, too, am surprised that companies would disclose such information willingly, but then again, who knew that ‘8’ denoted GM?! 🙂
Another great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.
There are four, USDA-approved categories of organic labels, which are based on percentage of organic content. Those categories are as follows:
1. 100 Percent Organic – may carry USDA Organic Seal
2. Organic – at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic – at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase “Made with Organic” followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
This is very helpful, thank you! Which items have you found with an ‘8’? I, too, am surprised that companies would disclose such information willingly, but then again, who knew that ‘8’ denoted GM?! 🙂
Stick with the 9’s. Organic produce is really the only GREAT way to make sure your food is not GM. It is true that the “8” code number is not mandatory. I am always looking for it at the store to get proof that it is used. There is so much about GM’d produce that consumers are unaware of. I wish the government would enforce the GM “8” rule for all produce in the USA and internationally. If you have any insider info on this topic-please post it here!
Kathy
Thanks for the info…may I ask what your source is? I didn’t think that any American companies were obligated to disclose whether or not their produce/ food was GMed – so I would think they would try to conceal it any way possible!
Thanks for the info…may I ask what your source is? I didn’t think that any American companies were obligated to disclose whether or not their produce/ food was GMed – so I would think they would try to conceal it any way possible!
Is that true just for america or is it valid internationally?
This is useful information everyone ought to be equipped with! Thanks for sharing!
Nice to know. Thanks for the info.
Great blog! I’d love to try some of your recipes this summer.
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks so much for posting this 🙂
I knew about the number 9, but the Genetically modified number is a new fact for me. Very interesting.
Good info! I never knew that.