Number Codes on Fruits and Vegetables


When buying produce in the grocery store, remember that produce grown conventionally with pesticides has a code with four numbers.  Genetically modified organisms (GMO) produce has a five number code that starts with an 8, and organic produce has  a five number code that starts with a 9.


The Dirty Dozen

The Dirty Dozen are fruits and vegetables that should be eaten organically.  This produce readily absorbs pesticides. These pesticides are then ingested by those who eat inorganic produce.

* apples                                     * nectarine
* blueberries                            * peaches
* celery                                      * potato
*cherries                                   * spinach, kale and collards
* grapes (imported)                 * strawberries
* lettuce                                     * sweet bell peppers


The Clean Fifteen


The Clean Fifteen are fruits and vegetables that can be eaten non-organically, (with some, but less concern), if organic produce is not on hand.  These types of produce have skin that better protects them from pesticide use.

* asparagus                                   * onions
* avocados                                     * pineapples
* cabbage                                       * sweet corn
* cantaloupe                                  * sweet onions
* eggplant                                      * sweet peas
* grapefruit                                   * sweet potatoes
* kiwi                                              * watermelon
* mango