I occasionally buy apple varieties that have a sticker on each fruit. For example, the Pink Lady or Kanzi varieties. Unfortunately, this kind of glue can never be removed without leaving any residue. As I don't want to eat any glue residue, I usually cut it away. I actually think it's wrong to put such labels on fruit that is preferably eaten with the skin on. They are probably not poisonous - but they certainly aren't healthy either! Has no harmless alternative, such as gum arabic, ever been tested? I also see another problem with bananas. Almost all varieties, including my favorite Fairtrade Max Havelaar bananas, still have 1 or 2 pieces of gum on each peel. Unlike with apples, this is not a problem for consumption. But I'm always annoyed that I have to remove these stickers for the compost. It would at least be a good thing if there wasn't such a sticker on every single fruit. This also applies to the apple varieties mentioned above. With the Pink Ladies, for example, it often happens that whole batches are without stickers, but then there are boxes where every fruit has one.
All replies (2)
Hello verchrimich, the trend of attaching stickers to fruit and vegetables is becoming more and more widespread worldwide. However, this is not only happening to the satisfaction of consumers, as we can see from your example. Switzerland - or Migros - does not have enough influence to affect the common practice in European trade. The use of stickers does have advantages: As fruit and vegetables are increasingly on sale without packaging, the stickers provide information about the origin and variety. Sometimes they also provide space for the EAN code. In the case of organic products, we are obliged by regulations to make a precise distinction in order to avoid confusion with conventionally produced fruit and vegetables. We generally recommend washing fruit and vegetables before consumption. Rubbing them under lukewarm water will remove any residue. The stickers and the glue must meet the highest standards of compatibility. Accidental consumption is completely harmless to health. And finally: We are currently looking for compostable alternatives for the stickers. best regards, Sina
Hello verchrimich, the trend of attaching stickers to fruit and vegetables is becoming more and more widespread worldwide. However, this is not only happening to the satisfaction of consumers, as we can see from your example. Switzerland - or Migros - does not have enough influence to affect the common practice in European trade. The use of stickers does have advantages: As fruit and vegetables are increasingly on sale without packaging, the stickers provide information about the origin and variety. Sometimes they also provide space for the EAN code. In the case of organic products, we are obliged by regulations to make a precise distinction in order to avoid confusion with conventionally produced fruit and vegetables. We generally recommend washing fruit and vegetables before consumption. Rubbing them under lukewarm water will remove any residue. The stickers and the glue must meet the highest standards of compatibility. Accidental consumption is completely harmless to health. And finally: We are currently looking for compostable alternatives for the stickers. best regards, Sina
"Switzerland - or Migros - does not have enough influence to affect common practice in European trade." This leads me to believe that the problem mainly affects foreign products? I've often wondered how long it will be before I have to peel a sticker off every single blueberry ^^ Tip: apples and other fruit from Switzerland are available at local markets. Without glue. And really fresh from the market.