You may have seen social media posts warning people not to eat fruits carrying a 4225 sticker, claiming that the number identifies a dangerous coating containing mono- and diglycerides.
But what does the sticker actually mean? And is there evidence that an avocado carrying this label is unsafe?
First: What Does 4225 Mean?
The number 4225 is a PLU (Price Look-Up) code used in grocery stores to identify a particular type and size of produce.
For Hass avocados, PLU codes include 4046, 4225 and 4770. The California Avocado Commission confirms that 4225 is one of the standard PLU numbers used for Hass avocados.
A conventional Hass avocado can therefore carry the number 4225 simply because of its variety and size. The number itself does not mean that the fruit contains a dangerous chemical.
Organic Hass avocados use corresponding five-digit codes beginning with 9, such as 94225.
What About Apeel?
The confusion appears to come from the use of Apeel, a plant-based coating designed to slow moisture loss and oxidation and extend the shelf life of certain fruits and vegetables.
Apeel states that its coating is made from plant-derived mono- and diglycerides, also known as E471 or INS 471.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reviewed a GRAS notice submitted by Apeel Sciences for monoglycerides intended for use as a surface-finishing agent on fruits and vegetables, including avocados. The FDA’s response states that it had no questions regarding the company’s conclusion that the substance was GRAS for its intended use.
That does not mean that every product or every use of an ingredient is automatically risk-free. Food safety depends on the specific substance, amount, intended use and regulatory requirements. But there is currently no basis in the sources reviewed for claiming that an avocado marked 4225 is poisonous.
Are Mono- and Diglycerides “Making People Sick”?
Mono- and diglycerides are food ingredients that are widely used as emulsifiers and other functional ingredients.
In the specific FDA review of Apeel’s monoglycerides, the agency evaluated information concerning the substance’s intended use on agricultural products. The FDA concluded that it had no questions about the GRAS conclusion under the intended conditions of use.
Therefore, the statement that the presence of mono- and diglycerides automatically means that a fruit will “make you sick” is not supported by the FDA documentation.
Was Apeel Founded by Bill Gates?
This is another common claim that needs clarification.
Apeel Sciences says it was founded in California in 2012 by James Rogers, not Bill Gates.
The company did receive early developmental support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, including a research grant. That financial support is different from founding or owning the company.
So saying “Bill Gates founded Apeel” is inaccurate.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you see an avocado with the number 4225, don’t assume that the number itself indicates a dangerous coating.
Instead:
– 4225 is a PLU code associated with Hass avocados.
– A leading 9 is used in the corresponding organic PLU system.
– The PLU number alone does not tell you that a fruit has been coated with Apeel.
– If you have concerns about a particular product, check the retailer’s labeling or ask the store whether the produce has received a post-harvest coating.
– Washing fresh produce under running water is a sensible general food-safety practice.
The Bottom Line
The viral warning “DO NOT EAT anything with this label!” goes beyond what the available evidence supports.
The 4225 printed on the avocado in the photo is a PLU code, not a warning label. Official information confirms that 4225 is used for Hass avocados.
Apeel does use mono- and diglycerides in some of its produce coatings, and the FDA has reviewed the relevant monoglycerides for their intended food use. However, there is no evidence in the sources reviewed that the number 4225 itself means an avocado is coated with Apeel or that eating an avocado carrying this number will make you sick.
Before sharing alarming food-safety claims online, always check what the number or label actually represents and look for evidence from reliable food-safety authorities.
