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Have you ever wondered what those 4 or 5 number codes on your produce stickers mean? These codes dictate whether your produce is organically grown, conventionally grown or if it is genetically modified.
Sometimes produce at the grocery store has no signs in front of it or the signs are incorrect so knowing how to read these codes that are on a sticker on each piece of produce will let you know exactly what you’re buying.
The whole coding system is very easy to understand. Conventional produce will begin with a 3 or a 4 and will only be 4 digits long. Organic produce will begin with a 9 and will be 5 digits long. Genetically modified produce will also be 5 digits long and will begin with an 8.
This numbering system is administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and adherence to these standards is voluntary. This means that not all genetically modified produce has to be marked with an 8 at the front of its code. So, the only way you know you won’t be eating a genetically modified food is to eat organic.
Take the time and learn this simple coding system which will help you make better food choices when grocery shopping in the future.
Share in the comments the foods you always buy organic.
To your health!
Jesse
