"pearl" > wrote in message
...
> 12-Nov-2003
>
> You've noticed that tiny stickers that now appear on almost all
> fruit, and probably been annoyed that you have to peel each one off.
> These contain bar codes for the check-out clerk, but they also
> contain a secret the store might not want you to know.
>
> Nutritionist Karma Metzgar of the University of Missouri writes that
> these stickers also tell you if the fruit is organic or genetically-
> modified. On conventionally-grown, non-organic fruit, the sticker has
> only 4 numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral code,
> which begins with the number 9. Since organic fruits and vegetables
> now have to be in separate areas in grocery stores, this confirms
> that your apple hasn't ended up in the wrong pile. However, the store
> does not have to reveal which fruits and vegetables are genetically-
> modified-but you can find out by looking at their stickers, which
> will begin with the number 8.
>
> According to Metzgar, this means a regular banana would have a
> sticker saying 4011, an organic banana would say 94011 and a GM
> banana would say 84011.
>
> Lots of people complain that the stickers are too hard to peel off,
> so it may be a relief to know that the adhesive is safe to eat.
>
> http://www.unknowncountry.com/news/?id=3314

Very interesting to know, especially for those who don't have access to
stores/farmer's markets that simply don't carry genetically modified foods.