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Decoding the Produce Codes

on September 7, 2012 By In milling 1 Comment

Decoding the Produce Codes

Consumers practically need a PHD to read the labels on boxed items, so buying whole foods is usually easier to decipher right?  Not always.  We practically need a decoder ring to clarify those tiny stickers on produce.

Have you ever tried to figure out what is the most healthy produce to buy? An apple is an apple is an apple, right? Well, maybe not.  Let me help you with decoding the produce codes.

A great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.  There is a wide amount of wiggle room on percentages and understanding of USDA regulations for learning what these seals mean, so we will discuss the USDA organic labeling and seal in a separate blog.

Most produce in the market has a small sticker or a bar code with 4 to 5 numbers. It’s time to take out your decoder ring, your paper and pencil and put on your spy glasses and trench coat.

We’re going to take a look at just the first number to know what you are getting:

  • If it starts with the number “8” at the front of a (usually)  five digit number = It is Genetically modified (DNA altered) and is not grown organically or certified organic (has pesticides).
  • If it starts with the number “9” it is usually a five digit number = It is Organically Grown and non GMO.
  • If it starts with “3 or 4”  and usually a four digit number = It is conventionally grown (with some pesticides), not usually genetically modified (thus is non-GMO), but is not grown organically or certified organic (has some pesticides).

In closing, I shall leave you with a (cheesy) little rhyme to use instead of the spy garb to help you remember how to decipher the produce codes:

Always hate the number eight (8)
The number nine (9) is always fine.
Three or four (3 or 4) might be allowed through the door.

If you can come up with a better memory system, by all means please HELP ME and please leave a comment!! (o:

 

Best Blessings!

Donna Miller, Owner of Millers Grain House





One Response to Decoding the Produce Codes

  1. Reply
    LJ September 10, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    Thanks for sharing this information! And I love your rhyme.

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