More Than Just A Pear

The New York Times: A pear is just a pear, except when it is also a laser-coded information delivery system with advanced security clearance.
And that is what pears–not to mention organic apples, waxy cucumbers and delicate peaches–are becoming in some supermarkets around the country. A new technology being used by produce distributors employs lasers to tattoo fruits and vegetables with their names, identifying numbers, countries of origin and other information that helps speed distribution. The marks are burned onto the outer layer of the skin and are visible to discerning consumers and befuddled cashiers alike.
The process, government approved and called safe by the industry, may sound sinister. But it was designed with the consumer in mind: laser coding could mean the end of those tiny stubborn stickers that have to be picked, scraped or yanked off produce.
Soured on stickers? Try tattooed fruit [The New York Times via CNet]