The labels on fruit usually use PLU (price look-up) codes to help identify produce at checkout. These fruit and produce stickers help stores identify conventional and organic items, and the numbers can tell you useful information at a glance. The labels been used by supermarkets since 1990, and the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) assigns them globally. While people often notice these labels on fruit, they can also appear on vegetables, herbs, and nuts.
Fruit and Produce labels typically fall into 2 common categories:
- Conventional: A 4-digit PLU code usually identifies conventionally grown produce.
- Organic: A 5-digit PLU code starting with 9 usually identifies organic produce. In many cases, this is the conventional 4-digit code with a 9 added to the front.
Note: You may also see older claims that a code starting with 8 means genetically modified produce, but that information is outdated and not a reliable way to identify produce today.
Making Informed Choices: Pesticides, Environment, and Local Support
- Pesticides and Health: Conventionally grown produce may be grown with synthetic pesticides, while organic production has different standards. Many shoppers choose organic for personal or environmental reasons.
- Environmental Impact: Farming practices vary widely, so a produce sticker alone does not tell the full story of how a fruit or vegetable was grown.
- Local Farmers: Buying local can support nearby farms and may give you the chance to ask directly about growing practices.
EMPOWERING CONSUMER CHOICES:
As consumers, advocating for transparent food labeling can empower you to make informed choices. Some organizations and brands go beyond the basic labeling requirements, providing additional information about the fruit’s origin, farming practices, and certifications. Supporting brands that prioritize transparency can be a way to encourage better information sharing within the industry.
By considering these factors, you can make food choices that align with your nutritional needs, environmental values, and support for local agriculture. Understanding the meaning of produce labels is an essential step in making informed decisions about the food you consume.
So, the next time you pick up a piece of produce, take a look at that little sticker. It might just reveal more about your food choices than you ever imagined.
I need a magnifying glass to even be a chance to read the little numbers on those stickers – probably by design
Haha! Just zoom in with your phone. I’m really glad I found this site—it actually taught me something new! Now I’ll be checking barcodes more often since I’m trying to cut back on GMO products.
Could not get my grocer at Krogers to tell me why the simply fresh organic apples 5-digit code begins with a 6 & not a nine.
Do you know why?
I just saw the same thing at Whole Foods in Boston MA. The apple was labeled 69xxxx. So, what does the six in front of the regular organic code mean?
Are these product digit codes international or UK only?
They are international
If it makes you feel good just eat organic foods if you don’t believe in those stuff then don’t do it …To each his own…Do your research…its your body…It’s your wellbeing…God bless.
ONLY ORGANIC starting with 9 are true organic and as safe as possible for your health every other number is not
This is great to know. Where are your facts from? I would like to do some further research. Thanks!
Very interesting . I am trying to eat only organic and having some trouble finding as I am locked to only one grocery store that I can walk to .. I would like to be informed and know the truth about foods I eat !
their are “food deserts”. Places where large populations do not have access to food or just 1 grocery store. This is not an accident. It is profitable for some grocery stores to cooperate and do this. If you have a cell phone, compare the online grocers that ship directly to your door. Even meat is now shipped overnight. If some of those foods cost less or even the same as the ones you buy now, you could ask neighbors to buy as a group with you and lower the cost of online groceries and the shipping cost. I saw a you tube video and a . tv documentary about scarce food in parts of the U.S. in cities and suburbs. There is also a you tube video showing the rise of growing food on walls outside or inside any building. The traditional window shelves work too. New ways to water and light plants mean you can raise some of your own organic food in a small space to lower food bills. I use transparent shelves to let in light in my window garden. I plant vines on a high shelf and let them hang. I grow the most expensive plants I eat to be thrifty. Good luck
I’m feeling really upset. I went to Publix and bought fresh vegetables from the organic section. When I arrived home, I realized that the green and red peppers had a four digit code, beginning with the number 4. I was very disappointed, as I remembered that the number is not organic. Now I have pesticide laden veggies in my kitchen, we can’t trust that store anymore!
I agree with you. I used to love Publix until I started seeing produce grown from GMO seeds and other foods made from GMO ingredients. Now, I stick with Whole Foods Market where the majority of its foods’ PLU start with the number 9.
I agree with you 100%….or the produce rots in one day…also deli board head roast beef was spoiled in 3 days in my refrigerator. It smelled like rotten meat it also happened to the board head turkey breast a few months ago….i dont drive anymore and its the nearest store to where i live…Kingslake store is the worst out of all the Publix’s in my opinion… Publix’s truley is taking advantage of the public especially with there meats ie roast and their deli items plus hardly any cans of tomatoes or tomatoes sauce at Kingslake store…guess we should be thankful we have a store to shop in…..
I would not be unhappy if food goes bad. That means it’s actual food. It shouldn’t last forever like a McDonald’s happy meal! I would be more concerned if it didn’t go bad!
Soak in baking soda and vinegar for 20 mins and rinse. I do this even with my organic fruit and veggies
That’s great to remove dirt but it does not remove pesticides. Pesticide soaks through the skin or peel into the grit or veg. Genetically modified fruits and veggies, particularly corn, have pesticides built into their genetic material. Whenever possible buy organic: fresh, frozen or canned.
Are you serious? Pesticides aren’t “built in to their genetic material”. That’s not what GMO is. Why spread this laughable lie? I’m not for GMO foods, but it’s not because “pesticides are built into their genetic material”, because that’s the farthest thing from what GMO is. Sheesh!
Please can you explain what GMO is?
it is a food that has been genetically modified. You can read more here https://ag.purdue.edu/gmos/what-are-gmos.html
Lol gmo corn kills it’s own pests built in to the corns genetic make up
Peroxide and water is really good too
I’m sure if you wash them good you won’t die.
Take them back to Publix and show the various codes. Publix will refund your $ and take down your complaint.
How can u justify buying Organic if most of the organic produce available in our grocery stores are not the freshest?
I’m not sure what your definition of ‘freshest’ is. But regardless organic produce at least won’t have the pesticides, etc on it which is my main point.
But you are eventually going to kill 2 billion people if you keep buying organic.
Make it make sense! How would organic food kill 2 billion people?? Elaborate or your simply talking out of your you know what…
Huh?
What about meat? How can we help nourish ourselves with healthy meats? Chicken and beef.
Thanks!
You buy from a local farmer where you no what the animals are eating and how they are treated.
the reason for the fruit not being the “freshest” is why GMO products are selling (they rely on our fear to feed us junks), organic products can’t be perfect especially because a lot of them deal with natural elements (weather, pest, etc.) and this affects their production
Despite all the concerns about whether genetically modified food is harmful or harmless, (only time will tell), the point being missed here, is that once all the food we grow and eat is genetically modified, which is what we are slowly moving towards, a very small number of multinational conglomerate corporations, that own the patents, will own all the food in the world……..now that really is scary. We can live without oil, or software, or any number of other things that companies are striving to control, but we cannot live without food. Imagine that power!
But if we move towards all organic 2 billion people will starve to death. Is that what you want?
What if everyone planted a small organic garden in their backyard or terrace?
Thank you! And the government can make a program to pay those willing to start and maintain a thriving one! Even allow people to file taxes off gardening etc.
This already exists.its called homesteading credit,every state has one,and they are all different. and it protects your property.do a little research,you will be surprised what you find.always remember there are families still doing this they are the amish,and mennonite.look into it .
That’s where I’m headed.
That would be ideal. I garden and grow part of what I eat. I know how it was raised and that it has no chemicals.
You cannot live without oil. Oil is used in 87% of the things you use every day. Every single plastic item, wind generators, paint, fuels including to move your “food”, toothbrushes, clothing material, construction material. Don’t kid yourself. We lose oil, we lose it all.
Buy Lard. We and the older generations lived off it and many old fashioned ways for years. Look and research what health benefits come from Lard.
That is really interesting! I have to pay more attention when I buy fruit. I don’t want any Frankenfruit!
Thank you for this information! I never knew the codes on the fruit had these handy codes, now I can make better choices on my food. I understand your concern about GMO’s, and that’s the right attitude, but humans have been genetically modifying food since before civilization arose. Lemons, all grains, and most fruits aren’t natural. Humans selected the best strains (biggest & juiciest fruits) and replanted and crossed strains to beat bugs and harsh weather. When we make GMO’s we are taking the genes from plants that have natural resistance to these harsh environments or natural plant defenses (like thorns on a rose) and use those plant genes to other plants. GMO’s are actually the cure for world hunger! If we didn’t have GMO’s we wouldn’t have enough food to feed the planet. Most of us are wealthy (relatively, on a global scale) enough to afford to choose organic products (which have significantly lower crop yields) at a higher cost than others. The first step is awareness and pesticide use should me more transparent.
but notmade with deadly poison like roundup weed killer back then for f sake
People only see what they choose to see,…your theory SOUNDS GOOD,..but it’s lacking TRUTH DETAILS.