Pure Food–PLU's

The other part of my talk with Pure Water was on Pure Food. Was this an eye opener! We've all heard about chemicals: pesticides, insecticides, herbicides on our foods and the hormones and steroids being injeted into our foods. But when I was doing some research on Genetically Engineered and Modified foods and Irradiation I learned about Bacteriaphages and Carbon Monoxide being used on our foods.

Bacteriaphages are viruses sprayed on our food that kill bacteria! Carbon Monoxide is used to keep red meats looking red longer, longer than is safe, on the shelf.

I hope to cover some of the basics of these different practices with some links in some future posts. Today I'm including information about those number stickers on your apples and bananas called PLU Numbers and where to find the top Contaminated Fruit and Vegetable List.

Those little stickers on all your fruit and some veggies can tell you some very useful information besides where it was grown. I was able to buy an organice Kiwi in the regular produce section by knowing how the number system works. The Kiwi bin had 4 digit and 5 digit stickers on the Kiwis. The 4-digit are standard-practice grown Kiwis; the organic are the regular 4-digit number with a "9" in front. Click on the title above for a great article "Talking Fruit" by Marion Owen de-codeing those little stickers.

To find which fruit and veggies top the contaimnation list go to: www.ewg.org
Most authorities feel you can wash off outside contaminates with a natural soap if the fruit/veggie is not waxed. Otherwise it is best to peel your produce or buy organic.