FDA warns not to believe or share the number 8 stickers on imported fruits. They are not GMO fruits.
From the case that was shared that if the sticker on imported fruit has the number 8 code, does it mean it is a GMO fruit? Pharmacist Wirachai Nalawatchai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, revealed that it is not true. The numeric code on the sticker on imported fruit is the Price Look up (PLU) code, which is the Price Look up (PLU) code set by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) to help provide consumers with information that meets their needs so that retailers do not have to add additional labels. It is not intended to indicate any warnings or advice about the health of consumers. It is popularly used in America, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. It is a voluntary code. Therefore, we have seen that this code is not displayed on every imported fruit. The numbers come in both 4-digit and 5-digit formats, which indicate the type, variety, size, and growi
ng method of the fruit and vegetable. The number 8 added in front of the 4-digit code is used when the 4-digit code is full. It does not mean that it is a GMO fruit or vegetable. However, the number 9 in front of the 4-digit code means that the fruit and vegetable is grown organically.
Source: Thai News Agency