Fruit stickers: Have you ever noticed those little stickers on fruits? Those stickers either have small barcodes or numbers printed on them. Most of us peel them without thinking. But have you ever wondered what those stickers mean? Let us know what is the use of these stickers on fruits and what are the benefits of it?

Why are stickers applied?

Actually these small codes tell us how our fruit was grown. The number printed on the sticker of the fruit is called PLU code. This means price lookup code. These codes were introduced by the International Federation for Produce Standards to help retailers identify fruits and vegetables at checkout. Not only billing, this code also tells whether a fruit is organic, chemically treated or genetically modified.

What does this code indicate?

This code is usually 4 to 5 digits. The first number tells the method of farming. By reading this code you can tell whether the fruit in your hand is grown naturally or chemically.

What do these numbers mean?

If the fruit has a five-digit number starting with 9 on its sticker, then you are looking at 100 percent organic fruit. This means that it has been grown naturally. Along with this, if only four digit number is visible on the sticker then it means that the fruit was grown traditionally. That means chemical pesticides or fertilizers were used in it. These fruits are more economical but are not as clean or rich in nutrients as organic fruits.

Along with this, sometimes you may also see a five digit number starting with eight. This means that the fruit has been genetically modified. Now you have understood the secret behind the stickers on fruits. So now next time while buying fruits, definitely pay attention to those codes.

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FSSAI Order about ORS: If you buy any drink in the name of ORS when you are ill, then this news is for you. Actually, Food Safety and Standards Authority i.e. FSSAI has taken a big decision. Under this, now no company will be able to sell its product under the name ‘ORS’, unless it is genuine ORS. This order has been implemented from October 14 itself.

Why did FSSAI take this step?

ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Salts is a simple solution that corrects water loss caused by diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration or heat. This is especially a panacea for children and the elderly. The World Health Organization (WHO) had decided its formula many years ago. For this, 6 spoons of sugar and half a spoon of salt have to be mixed in one liter of clean water. It does not contain any flavour, color or any extra chemical. This solution creates a balance of sodium, potassium and glucose, which helps in absorbing water quickly. Doctors say that the right ORS can even save lives, because dehydration affects millions of people every year.

What is happening in the market?

Many companies were becoming smart and naming their energy drinks, flavored powders or ready-to-drink bottles as ORS. Under this, big ‘ORS Drink’ or ‘ORS Powder’ was written on the packet, but instead of glucose, some cheap sugar, artificial flavors like orange, lemon or lime taste and color were added. People buy it considering it to be real ORS, but instead of providing benefit to the body, it can cause harm. Actually, due to wrong composition the balance of electrolytes gets disturbed.

Why did FSSAI take action?

FSSAI was continuously receiving complaints that many people have fallen ill due to such products being sold in the name of ORS. FSSAI officials say that this is fraud. Companies were using the name ORS for marketing, because ORS is a medical term, which gives people confidence. According to WHO standards, ORS should contain glucose anhydrous 13.5 grams, sodium chloride 2.6 grams, potassium chloride 1.5 grams and sodium citrate 2.9 grams per liter. Homemade ORS is also based on this, but market products do not have all this. After this decision, customers will now be able to know by looking at the packet whether it is genuine ORS or not.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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