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.
Wealthy Heir Humiliates Beggar Outside Luxury Hotel, Finds His Bank Account Drained Next Morning
Peter was raised in luxury, being the only son of a wealthy hotel owner.
Unfortunately, his privileged upbringing turned him into an arrogant young man who believed himself superior to others.
One afternoon, Peter entered his father’s grand hotel and was welcomed by Jenny, a new employee. She politely asked if he’d like a welcome drink.
“Don’t you know who I am?” Peter scoffed. “I only drink a special blend prepared just for me.”
Unaware of his preferences — since she had only been working at the hotel for a week — Jenny apologized and went to the kitchen to prepare his drink.
Peter then approached his father’s assistant, Marcus. True to his nature, Peter mocked him.
“Why the long face, Marcus? How do you expect to work in hospitality when you can’t even manage a smile?”
Marcus responded respectfully, apologizing for appearing tired.
“Soon I’ll be running this place,” Peter boasted. “When that happens, there won’t be room for excuses.”
Without waiting for a reply, Peter walked into his father’s office.
There, Mr. Greenwood advised his son to treat everyone with respect, reminding him that every person in the hotel, no matter their role, contributed to its success. But Peter brushed off the advice and asked his father to consider retiring and letting him take over the business.
Seeing Peter’s impatience and arrogance, Mr. Greenwood proposed a challenge instead: five businessmen from different countries would be visiting the hotel, and Peter’s task was to ensure their stay was flawless.
Feeling confident, Peter settled into his father’s office chair, bragging to a friend on the phone about being in charge for the day. However, his call was interrupted by the sound of someone singing loudly outside.
Looking out the window, Peter saw a homeless man singing on the sidewalk near the hotel entrance. Furious that such a scene might tarnish the hotel’s image, he rushed out to confront the man.
“What do you think you’re doing here, singing in front of my hotel?” Peter snapped. “Soon, important guests will be arriving, and I don’t want them seeing you here. Leave immediately!”
At that moment, Marcus stepped in, offering the homeless man $500 to find food and shelter for the night, hoping to de-escalate the situation.
The man accepted the money gratefully and left, while Marcus reminded Peter that their first guest was about to arrive.
The businessmen arrived and were soon enjoying their stay. Their praise for the hotel’s food and service gave Peter a sense of accomplishment. But his relief was short-lived.
Later that evening, the same homeless man returned, this time wanting to use the $500 to rent a room for the night. Peter reluctantly agreed but instructed staff to place him in a room far from the guests.
Yet, Peter remained determined to drive the man away. When Mr. Roberts, one of the businessmen, reported that his valuable family heirloom watch was missing from the restroom, Peter saw an opportunity.
He sneakily planted the watch in the homeless man’s room, then informed the police that he had seen the man acting suspiciously.
The police searched the room, found the watch, and questioned the homeless man. Calmly, the man denied any involvement, expressing surprise at the situation but agreeing to cooperate with the authorities.
The next morning, Peter was feeling triumphant — until his father entered the room with news that would shake him.
Expecting praise, Peter was instead told to check his bank account. To his shock, his multi-million-dollar account balance had dwindled to a single dollar.
His father revealed the truth — the homeless man Peter had insulted and framed was Mr. Greenwood himself, disguised to test Peter’s character.
“You may have handled the guests well,” Mr. Greenwood said sternly, “but you failed to uphold the values that matter most: respect, integrity, and compassion.”
As Peter left the hotel, burdened by the weight of his actions, he realized that true leadership wasn’t about wealth or status — it was about character, humility, and treating everyone with dignity.
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