Are you as annoyed as I am at those stickers you have to peel off of fruit and some vegetables you purchase at the grocery store? One more reason to shop at farmer’s markets or grow your own. But, here in NEPA, the climate demands bringing in anything not in season. (Maybe I should be re-thinking that concept). But, those stickers do contain one bit of information that is quite useful. Each sticker contains a number – either 4 or 5 digits. Four digits indicate that the fruit was conventionally grown. If there are 5 digits and the first is a 9, the fruit has been grown organically; if the first is an 8, that fruit is genetically modified. Good to know, aina’?
Update: It should be noted that there is no requirement to indicate that something is genetically modified, so don’t expect to find anything that begins with an 8.
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Melody Joy King says
Or no? :0P Sorry I just couldn’t resist. Thank so much for sharing all that you have been learning over the years. I have learned much from you, and am excited to really incorporate healthier eating into Justin & I’s diets. My hope is that I will have a much better menu/dietary plan for our family in place before we start having children. I hope and pray that I will be a good steward of my family as a wife and mother. Love to you. :0)
learningandyearning says
I’ll always be a Scranton girl! Mel, the Essential Eating books have been helpful to me lately. Check them out. There is an Essential Eating Farmer’s Market every Thursday in Chinchilla – every thing is organic, grass-fed, pastured, etc.
Elisabeth says
If the number starts with an 8, it’s genetically modified. If it doesn’t start with an 8, you can’t be sure unless it’s organic. US law does not require genetically modified foods to be labeled. Organic foods cannot be genetically modified.
learningandyearning says
Thank you for the great clarification. Yes, if the label contains an 8, we know it IS genetically modified, but if it is a 4 digit #, we cannot be sure. I have yet to find a label that began with an 8, have you?
Steph (The Cheapskate Cook) says
I had heard about the 4 and 9 indication but not the 8. Thanks!
(here from Fat Tuesday)
learningandyearning says
Thanks for visiting, Steph!
Lisa says
Interesting! I pay attention to those stickers because they often say the origin of the item (we buy only US grown produce – and organic if the option is available), but I never knew about the numbers. 🙂
learningandyearning says
Yes, the origin of the produce is another important piece of information on that sticker!
Jennifer Ward-Pelar says
I didn’t know that! Thanks for the info.
learningandyearning says
Happy to help!!
Sarah Phillips says
Thanks for the info, Susan. I jotted down the info on my Non-GMO shopping guide. I’m enjoying your blog!!
learningandyearning says
Hi Sarah! So glad you visited. A non-GMO shopping guide sounds like a wonderful idea. Can you bring that when we get together next month?