Fruit Stickers May Seem Harmless, but They Could Pose Potential Health Risks

Though seemingly harmless stickers, the adhesive residue left on fruit can become a source of exposure to chemicals and bacteria that many people often overlook.

Fruit stickers may seem harmless, but they could pose potential health risks

Small stickers on fruit are not only for identification but can also trap dirt, bacteria, and chemicals if not properly peeled off.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has just issued a new food safety advisory, drawing significant consumer attention: do not eat fruits and vegetables directly while stickers or labels are still attached.

According to this agency, seemingly harmless small stickers can leave adhesive residue that is unsafe for the body if accidentally swallowed. In its latest Instagram post, FSSAI emphasized: "Think twice before biting into the labeled part. Despite being common, the adhesive used on stickers can leave residues that are unsafe for consumption."

To ensure hygiene and reduce the risk of chemical exposure, FSSAI recommends removing labels and peeling any fruit or vegetables bearing stickers before use.

Why are fruits labeled with stickers?

Fruit stickers, also known as PLU (Price Look-Up) codes, are commonly used by supermarkets to identify produce, distinguish organic from conventional products, and assist with checkout and inventory management.

Even though the stickers themselves are manufactured according to food safety standards, experts note that the adhesive is not always safe to ingest, especially since the sticker's surface can also harbor dust, bacteria, or pesticide residues.

Potential health risks

Accidentally swallowing a small amount of glue residue may not cause immediate harm, but doing so repeatedly still poses potential risks, especially for young children.

Some potential issues include:

Chemical ingestion: Adhesives contain non-edible compounds.

Contamination risk: Stickers can trap dust, bacteria, or pesticide residues.

Digestive irritation: People with sensitive digestive systems may experience mild stomach discomfort.

Experts note that "food-safe" is not synonymous with "edible." Therefore, even if an adhesive meets food-grade standards, consumers should still not ingest it.

How to eat fruits and vegetables more safely

In a context where consumers are increasingly concerned about food contamination risks and chemical exposure, small hygiene habits can make a big difference for health.

To minimize risks, follow these steps:

Always remove stickers before eating

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water for at least 5 minutes

Peel as thoroughly as possible for peelable varieties

Avoid biting directly into the area where the sticker is placed

Use a clean brush to gently scrub thick-skinned fruits such as apples, pears, or cucumbers

Do not use soap, disinfectant wipes, or chemicals to wash fresh fruits and vegetables

Proper cold storage for items requiring refrigeration

Do not leave food in cars, garages, or outdoors for too long

Clean the sink and food prep area after washing food