Rex Xs on dairy products ‘due to a fear of technology’
Russkoe Moloko has posted a statement on its website saying that defacing or removing barcodes is common among Russian Orthodox Christians.
“It is well-known that the bar code on products is a mark of the beast.
“It contains three invisible sixes, the name of the antichrist which is hidden in the scriptures.”
In modern popular culture, 666 has become a widely recognised symbol for the antichrist or the devil.
Some people take the Satanic associations of 666 so seriously they actively avoid things related to 666 or the digits 6-6-6 (a fear that is known as hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia).
“When many Orthodox Christians buy goods in a shop, they throw the packaging away or tear off the part containing the bar code. But if this is not possible, they draw a cross over it,” said Russkoe Moloko.
Barcodes have become almost universal for simple, low-cost automation of supermarket checkouts since they were first used in 1974.
Russkoe Moloko (Russian Milk) promotes traditional Russian values and diets.
In 2010, the company, which is headquartered near Moscow, was reported to have informed its 6,000 workers that company policy requires all employees to closely follow the teachings and precepts of the Russian Orthodox Church.
