New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a fresh food safety advisory, urging consumers to avoid eating fruits and vegetables with stickers due to potential health risks from adhesive residue.

The regulator, operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, cautioned that while fruit stickers may appear harmless, the adhesives used can leave residues that are not safe for consumption.

In a recent social media post, FSSAI warned consumers to "think twice before biting into a fruit sticker", highlighting that these labels, though common in supermarkets, are not intended to be ingested. The authority has recommended removing stickers and peeling produce wherever possible to ensure food safety.

Why do fruits and vegetables have stickers?

Stickers on fruits, commonly known as PLU (Price Look-Up) labels, are widely used in retail and supermarkets for identification and pricing. These labels help:

• Identify the type of fruit or vegetable.
• Distinguish between organic and conventionally grown produce.
• Assist in billing and inventory management.

Although the stickers themselves are generally made from food-grade materials, experts emphasise that the adhesives used may not be safe for ingestion, particularly when exposed to contaminants such as dirt, pesticides, or bacteria.

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Health risks linked to fruit sticker residue

Health experts warn that while accidental consumption of sticker residue may not cause immediate harm, repeated exposure could pose risks, especially for children.

Key concerns include:

• Chemical ingestion: Adhesives contain compounds not meant to be eaten.
• Contamination risk: Stickers can trap bacteria, dirt, and pesticide residues.
• Digestive irritation: Sensitive individuals may experience mild stomach discomfort.

Importantly, even if adhesives are labelled as food-grade, this does not mean they are safe to consume.

Safe ways to consume fruits and vegetables

With fresh produce forming a core part of diets in India, maintaining proper hygiene is critical. The FSSAI advisory highlights simple food safety practices to reduce health risks:

• Always remove stickers before eating fruits or vegetables.
• Wash produce thoroughly under running water for at least five minutes.
• Peel fruits and vegetables wherever possible.
• Avoid biting directly into areas where stickers were placed.
• Use a clean brush for firm produce such as apples and cucumbers.
• Do not use soap, disinfectants, or cleaning agents on fresh produce.
• Store perishable fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
• Avoid leaving food exposed in cars or open areas.
• Clean kitchen surfaces and sinks after handling produce.