Those little stickers on fresh produce may soon be replaced with high tech labels that are “printed” directly on the produce. This research is being conducted at the K-State Olathe campus in the Postharvest Physiology and Food Safety lab.
Using laser technology, the QR code is etched or engraved on to the surface of the food. Research is looking at the quality and safety of the produce and if the engraving affects produce freshness or if it causes problems with microbial contamination. They also want to see if the QR code remains readable from the time the produce is engraved to when it is used.
These stickers, called price look-up (PLU) stickers, are used to track inventory through the supply chain. These new QR codes could help trace recalled food faster and solve foodborne illness outbreaks in a timely manner.
The country of France has banned the use of noncompostable stickers on produce. Therefore, they cannot receive exported produce from the United States.
Learn more at https://www.k-state.edu/seek/spring-2022/printing-qr-code-produce/
