When it comes to groceries, we usually pay attention to the brand and the expiry date, but when it comes to fruits and vegetables most of us pick the ripe ones that look appealing to the eye. The truth is that fruits and vegetables are also labeled, but not many pay attention to those numbers mostly because they don’t even know what they stand for.
Numbers on fruit stickers like 9
Numbers on fruits serve more than the single purpose of identify how much the item should ring up. In fact, they provide valuable information about the product. If you notice fruit stickers starting with the numbers 9, out of five digits, it indicates that the fruit has been grown organically.
Number 8
If the five-digit number the fruit is labeled with starts with the number 8, it means the product has been genetically modified. GMO foods are controversial as many believe they cause and trigger allergies. This technology is often used in agriculture to enhance the resistance of crops to pests and diseases, improve tolerance to herbicides, or increase nutritional content.
Currently, researchers still investigate the long-term effects, if any, on humans. Some of the most notable GMO fruits are papayas, apples, plums, strawberries, and grapes, among the rest.
4-digit code
A 4-digit code starting with either number 3 or 4 signifies the food isn’t organically grown. Instead, it has likely been “conventionally grown.” The meaning of conventionally grown food refers to the way they are fertilized. While organic produce uses organic matter like compost and is mechanically or biologically treated for weeds, conventional methods use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The debate about the environmental impacts and possible future health complications involving conventional food-growth methods is ongoing.
Dr. Tamika D. Sims, the senior director of food technology communications in Atlanta Georgia, says both organic and synthetic fertilizers have been “federally regulated.”
According to him, people shouldn’t worry about the numbers on fruits and vegetables they consume but rather focus on reaching a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods needed for good health.
When it comes to picking the right fruits and vegetables, the number of digits also matters. A 4 or 5-digit number indicates where and how the food was grown, in addition to the size and type of food purchased, but when the product is labeled with a sticker consisting of more than five digits, it means it’s not included in the “internationally standardized system.”
For most, going grocery shopping is a dull task they tend to complete as swiftly as possible.
However, knowing that the food we consume is crucial for our survival and maintaining our health and fitness, we should all pay more attention when choosing the food we purchase. The International Federation for Produce Standards is dedicated to “improving supply chain efficiency” which involves, among other responsibilities, ensuring the provision of high-quality ingredients and “establishing and unifying international standards.”
This system was first implemented during the 90’s, when stickers on fruits and vegetables were added. Categorizing these items with numerical codes was to guarantee high quality. The IFPS has issued more than 1,400 such codes. However, since the system is optional, not all fruits and vegetables in stores have been inspected or approved by the IFPS or meet global standards.
Those people who care of the choice of food they consume can find the knowledge behind the meaning of numbers on fruits and vegetables useful. This knowledge can also expedite the self-checkout process by simply entering the PLU code instead of searching for the item by name. The PLU code system is an excellent method to track the delicious and nutritious foods that travel worldwide.
Donna Mills Defied the Odds at 54 – Meet Her Beautiful Daughter Who’s Now Pregnant at 30!
Donna Mills has always done things her own way, both in Hollywood and in her personal life. At 54, she made the bold choice to become a mother, even though some people doubted her ability to raise a child at that age. Now, 30 years later, she is excited to become a grandmother.
For many years, Donna Mills was a well-known face in Hollywood, famous for her roles on popular TV shows and her passion for acting. But she had a strong desire for something more. This led her to step away from her successful career and embrace motherhood, even when many thought it was too late.
Although some people were surprised by her choice, Donna’s determination remained strong. Her child became the most important part of her life, and she has treasured being a mother more than any other role.
Now, as her life comes full circle, Donna is about to become a grandmother. Her story is one of perseverance, love, and defying what society expects.
Defying Society’s Expectations and Choosing Motherhood
When Donna decided to adopt her daughter, Chloe, at 54, many people were doubtful. They thought she was too old to raise a child and often said things like, “You’ll be too old to keep up with a little toddler running around.”
But Donna didn’t let these doubts stop her. Despite the criticism, she was sure she could handle it. “I never felt older than the other mothers, who were probably in their 20s,” she said.
Before adopting Chloe, Donna was deeply focused on her acting career. She had become well-known in Hollywood, starring in shows like *Knots Landing*. However, despite her success, she felt something was missing. “I was jealous every time I saw a kid run up to their mom and say ‘mommy, mommy!’” Donna once admitted.
The desire for a child grew stronger over time, and Donna knew her life wouldn’t feel complete without one. “As wonderful as my career was, as wonderful as my life was, there was a big hole,” she explained.
Putting Her Career on Hold for 18 Years
After adopting Chloe, Donna made a surprising and significant choice. She stepped away from her thriving acting career for 18 years to focus completely on being a mother. At first, Donna managed to balance both work and parenting.
During Chloe’s early years, Donna accepted roles in TV movies and took her daughter along with her wherever she went. However, when Chloe started school, Donna realized she couldn’t keep up the same pace with her career.
“I wasn’t going to go out of town for two months at a time,” Donna explained. “I didn’t become a mother to hand her over to a nanny.”
Although stepping away from the career she had worked so hard to build was a big change in her life, Donna never regretted it. She has even encouraged others to think about having children later in life, sharing her belief that it helped her be more present and focused as a mother.
“If you want to focus on your career, I believe having a child later in life is better than having one early,” she advised. For Donna, her decision to adopt Chloe at 54 gave her the chance to give motherhood her full attention, something she felt wouldn’t have been possible earlier in her career.
Donna Mills is also excited for this next chapter, knowing that the strong bond she built with Chloe will now extend to the next generation.
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