"Researchers are awaiting Food and Drug Administration approval of a laser etching system that supporters say could replace sticky produce labels. Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been examining a laser system that can etch product information directly on individual pieces of fruit and vegetables much like a tattoo."

The full article is located at:

http://thepacker.com/Laser-labeling-system-tattoos-fruits--vegetables/Article.aspx?articleid=834635

98% of orange buyers accept the system. That is probably the upper limit, since the orange has a sturdy rind. How many people will want lased letters on their lettuce? Caramelized characters on their carrots? Not everyone. And there are issues of cost, readability and general applicability.

Regular or decaf laser?

Thanks to John Keogh for the link!

Cheers,

Steve