Citrus fruits carrying laser etching technology may become available in the US within a few months, as another option to sticky labels, following its approval by the FDA earlier this month.
The technology is currently awaiting for the final approval document after a 30-day consultation period before it could be commercially introduced into the market.
The Natural Light Labeling system, which is an infrared laser light etching system, creates a label on the skin of the citrus fruit that cannot be erased and will make it easy for customers to trace the fruit back to the farmer, reported Foodproductiondaily.com.
The system removes only pigments in the top portion of the fruit skin, without damaging the fruit. Further, the technology allows words to appear on the fruit skin which can be easily read.
Greg Drouillard, a former University of Florida researcher who is currently working for Sunkist Growers, invented the Natural Light Labeling system in 1994.
The technology was available in the US market, but in 2005, FDA withdrew it, following concerns that it could lead the fruit to decay and make it vulnerable to food pathogens.
However, the University of Florida research has later proved that this technology does not facilitiate the entrance of pathogens.
The Natural Light Labeling system, which is licenced by agricultural co-operative Sunkist, works on all produce except leafy vegetables and corn. Further, USDA has given the approval to the use of the technology only on citrus.
