While it might seem bizarre, the stickers on fruits are indeed technically edible, but that doesn't mean you should make a habit of eating them. These stickers, which are often found on fruits like apples, bananas, and pears, are there to help identify the type of fruit, its origin, and sometimes the method of cultivation, such as organic or conventional. They also contain a PLU (Price Look-Up) code which is used by retailers for pricing and inventory purposes.
The adhesives used on these stickers are regulated by food safety agencies such as the USDA and FDA. They are made to be food-grade and non-toxic, ensuring that incidental ingestion is safe. This requirement is critical, considering these stickers occasionally end up in places like jams and preservatives due to imperfect sorting processes. However, the sticker itself is typically made from a type of plastic or paper that, while non-toxic, isn't designed for digestion and doesn't provide any nutritional value or benefit.
Despite their safety from a toxicity standpoint, consuming these stickers deliberately isn't advisable. They can be a choking hazard, especially for children, and the indigestible materials could potentially cause complications in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the stickers and the glue can host bacteria from the handling and shipping of the fruit, which can pose a health risk.
Therefore, it's crucial to wash your fruits thoroughly under running water before eating them to remove any pesticide residues, dirt, bacteria, or remnants of the stickers. For fruits with edible skins, a vegetable brush might be used to scrub the surface gently. Washing not only helps remove the exterior contaminants but also the adhesive residues of the stickers.
In conclusion, while you won't be harmed from accidentally consuming a fruit sticker, it's best to remove them and wash your fruits thoroughly. It's a simple but effective way to ensure the fruit is clean, safe, and ready to be enjoyed.
