The small, brightly colored stickers adhered to produce like apples are a common sight in grocery stores, prompting a frequent question from consumers: are they safe to eat? These tiny labels, known as Price Look-Up (PLU) stickers, are designed to withstand the handling and moisture of the produce supply chain, yet their presence on food items that are often eaten unpeeled naturally raises curiosity about their composition. While not intended for consumption, the materials used in these stickers are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure that accidental ingestion poses no health risk. Understanding the distinction between “edible” and “non-toxic” is central to addressing this widespread consumer query.
The Edibility Verdict
The direct answer to whether you can eat the apple sticker is that while it is not food, it is generally considered non-toxic for accidental consumption. PLU stickers are not intended to be part of a diet and have no nutritional benefit, but they are made from materials that the body can pass without causing harm.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the components of these stickers, requiring them to be compliant with food-contact safety standards. This means that the paper, ink, and adhesive must be made from substances that are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for incidental contact with food. While they will likely pass through the digestive system undigested, for young children, the physical size of the sticker could present a choking hazard, so removal remains the recommended practice.
Sticker and Ink Materials
The physical body of the sticker, known as the facestock, is typically constructed from thin paper or a type of food-safe film, such as specialized plastics or cellulose-based materials. These materials must comply with strict FDA regulations for components that come into direct contact with raw fruits and vegetables.
The ink used to print the Price Look-Up codes and any branding must also be non-toxic and compliant with food-safety standards. These food-safe inks are formulated using certified pigments and additives, often water-based or soy-based, to eliminate the risk of harmful chemical migration into the fruit. The stringent standards ensure that the printed code is safe even if a small amount is consumed incidentally with the fruit skin.
Food-Grade Adhesives
The glue, often the biggest concern for consumers, is a specialized food-grade adhesive approved for indirect food contact. This means the adhesive is formulated to be non-toxic and not to leach harmful substances into the produce. The FDA specifically regulates these pressure-sensitive adhesives, which addresses glues allowed to come into direct contact with fresh produce.
These adhesives are often composed of synthetic rubber or acrylic-based compounds, selected for their ability to maintain a bond in the cold and humid conditions of the produce supply chain. Despite their chemical origin, the formulations are strictly tested to ensure non-toxicity if accidentally ingested. While the adhesive is safe, it is not intended for consumption.
The Purpose of PLU Codes
The primary reason these stickers exist is for the Price Look-Up (PLU) system, which is a voluntary, global standard used by retailers to identify produce. These 4- or 5-digit codes allow cashiers to quickly determine the commodity, variety, and size of the item to ensure accurate pricing and inventory control. The system has been in place since 1990 and is managed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).
The code structure also communicates the growing method. A four-digit code, typically starting with a 3 or 4, designates conventionally grown produce. A five-digit code that begins with the number 9 indicates that the fruit was grown organically.