Fruit stickers are edible, though the same with any fruit, washing prior to eating is recommended. The glue used for them is regulated by the FDA.

Fruit stickers are edible, though the same with any fruit, washing prior to eating is recommended. The glue used for them is regulated by the FDA. 

Can you eat the sticker on fruit?

“Fruit stickers are edible!” “The stickers are non-toxic and safe to eat.” You may even come across what looks like a public service announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, saying: “Even the glue is okay to eat 

The FDA explains fruit stickers are actually edible! ... Yes, unless you like eating stickers. Sometimes you may forget, but that's ok. They're made out of “edible paper” 

A 4 digit code – means your fruit was conventionally raised. If you don't see a label with 5 digits it is safe to assume your fruit has been grown with pesticides and chemicals in probably depleted soil. A 5 digit code (starting with the number 8) – means your fruit has been genetically modified. 

Don't Eat Produce Stickers

If you accidentally ingest a sticker on an apple, don't panic. It will go through your body just fine, just like chewing gum (which is also made of plastic). But don't make it a habit of eating fruit stickers just because you can. 

For example, #4011 is the code for a standard yellow banana. The number 9 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is organic. For example, #94011 is the code for an organic yellow banana. 

Starburst wrappers are wax paper, and while they are non-toxic and technically edible, unlike rice-paper, they are not food. 

How Did the Stickers Come About? It's the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) that gives out the stickers all across the world; it enables standardizing of the process. If your banana or your mango has a "94011" this is a cue for safety of consumption.

.