Decode Your Produce! Know Your PLU Codes GMO, Organic, Conventionally Grown ETC….
PLU (Price Look Up) codes are a standard system of numbers on small stickers used by grocery stores to identify bulk produce items, especially when different varieties have different prices. For consumers, these codes can indicate how an item was grown.
PLU codes are sticker numbers on fruits and vegetables that identify them for pricing and inventory control, with the first digit indicating the growing method: a 4-digit code (or a 5-digit code starting with 3) is for conventionally grown produce; a 5-digit code starting with 8 means it’s genetically modified (GMO); and a 5-digit code starting with 9 indicates it’s organic. The codes are administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and are a voluntary system to help consumers and retailers, though some information is optional.
Key Points
- PLU codes are assigned by the IFPS, a global coalition of produce associations.
- While most PLU codes are assigned by the IFPS, not all produce items have stickers.
- Washing the produce will remove the sticker, as they are not always food-grade.
The key to deciphering a PLU code is the number of digits and the first digit.
How to read PLU codes:
- 4-digit codes: (usually starting with 3 or 4) indicate conventionally grown produce. Four-digit codes: A four-digit PLU code, typically starting with a 3 or 4, indicates that the produce was grown conventionally. This method uses synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and is the most common growing practice.
- 5-digit codes: starting with 8 mean the produce is genetically modified (GMO). Five-digit codes starting with “9”: A five-digit code that begins with the number 9 signifies that the item was grown organically. This means synthetic materials were not used and the product was produced in compliance with organic standards. For example, a conventional banana is 4011, while an organic banana is 94011.
- 5-digit codes: starting with 9 mean the produce is organically grown. Five-digit codes starting with “8”: A five-digit code starting with the number 8 indicates the produce is a genetically modified organism (GMO). However, these codes are very rare in practice, as many companies choose to simply label GMO produce with the conventional 4-digit code.
Why PLU Codes Matter
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Convenience:They allow cashiers and customers to quickly and accurately identify produce items, which is especially helpful for varieties that look similar.
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Consumer Choice:They make it easier for shoppers to choose between conventionally grown, organically grown, or GMO produce based on their preferences.
Key takeaways
- Not mandatory: PLU codes are administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) but are not required by government regulation.
- For shoppers, not cashiers: While PLU codes were originally developed for efficient checkout, they also provide consumers with information about how their food was grown.
- Organic vs. conventional: The most useful information for most consumers is the difference between conventional (4-digit code) and organic (5-digit code starting with 9) growing methods.
- GMO codes are uncommon: Because PLU codes are voluntary, you are unlikely to encounter a code starting with an 8 for genetically modified produce. The Non-GMO Project suggests looking for their butterfly label if you want to avoid GMOs.