What does that mean? { food codes contest }

You know those stickers you used to collect off the fruit? Yea?! The same ones you accidently eat on occasion... well I have recently learned that they are more significant than I had previously thought. I knew that those silly little stickers on produce meant something, but never thought they held pertinent information on how they were grown. Yes its true ladies and gentlemen. Those little labels on our produce tells us a little story about matters of growth and what goes on before it is shipped out.

I love this new info tidbit. I enjoy going around in the store looking for certain labels. I don't buy too much fruit or veggies from grocery stores (especially in the summer), but when I do, I think it is a fun game. Since I like to play this game I thought I would bring it into my blog.

I will show you the break down of how the labels work.

To start off, we see that labels are either 4 or 5 number long. We see that the 4 number codes start with a 3 or a 4.  And further we see that there are also 5 digit codes. Now these ones begin with either a 8 or 9.

The 4 digit codes, which display either a 3 or a 4 are designated like this --

A three or a four at the beginning of a 4 digit code indicates that it  has also been conventionally grown. These use the services of weed killers, pesticides and other nasty sprays.

The 5 digit codes, which display either a 8 or a 9 are designated like this --

An eight at the beginning of a 5 digit code indicates GMO produce. ( This could possibly a rumour, I have to read more. I have read that this may be a myth??? Help me out if you know the deal with this.)
A nine at the beginning of a 5 digit code indicates Organic Produce.

The symbol above indicates the use of irradiation. ( I recommend looking that up )

SO! My challenge for you is to find all of these numbers.
Take a photo of each number category, You can use the same type of fruit for each number ( i.e. plum with a 4 digit code and another with a 5 digit code ( organic ). Or you can use a different piece of fruit for each. Up to you. Send the photos to inskip@thehelpfulcashew.com

Winner takes home natures gate toothpaste, fluoride and nasty free! I love this toothpaste-- especially the anise flavour.

If you can find the irradiation symbol shown above, that is also a bonus ( that symbol might be small, so look carefully ) Check out this site if you live in Canada.

This contest is open until September 30th 2010. So get your cameras out and get searching. You can do this while at the grocery store... so have fun.. and learn about your produce.



Cheers,
Lindsay