What those Labels on Fruit really mean?

Ever wonder the purpose of those sticky labels on fruit other than annoy you in trying to remove it to eat that piece of fruit? What purpose does it serve other than identify the brand?

Well actually they do serve a purpose.

The small printed digits at the bottom are a code. First it is the UPC code and will tell the cashier if that apple is a Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. It's also important for you to know because not all apples are created equal for cooking, baking, or eating as a snack.

Second, the numbers on the sticker also tells how the product is grown or created. This has made news recently with the release of the new rules for “organic” labeling.

For conventionally grown fruit, the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit have a five-numeral PLU beginning with the number 9.

Genetically engineered fruit has a five-numeral PLU beginning with the number 8.

Heading to the refrigerator now, I selected a kiwi fruit. On it "Zespri Green 4030 New Zealand". This means the kiwi fruit is not organic. If it's 84030, then it's genetically engineered, and if the number is 94030, then it means it's organically grown.

Many consider the organically grown to be better. Now I don't know how New Zealand grows their "conventional" kiwis. Maybe their conventional methods use less pesticide than U.S. That's probably part two in researching what you eat. But I have always loved kiwi fruit and so far my supermarket only offers the ones from New Zealand.

A stickier issue is how to remove those pesky stickers! Wouldn't you agree?

According to the Produce Marketing Association, some shippers have begun using stickers designed with tabs that make them easier to lift off--Yes Lift Tab! I vote for it. But how much more will that cost me?

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