Know your Produce

mnishi
mnishi Posts: 419 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I just came across this interesting article explaining the meaning behind PLU codes (the 4 or 5 digit numbers on the tiny stickers on your produce).

4 digit codes are on non-organic
5 digit codes starting with an 8 are GMO (genetically modified organism)
5 digit codes starting with a 9 are organic


http://rawearthliving.wordpress.com/2010/02/27/what-does-the-number-on-a-fruit-sticker-mean/

Replies

  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    Interesting...and thanks for sharing!
  • natachan
    natachan Posts: 149
    I'm gonna print this and test this out at the grocery store this Friday. Thank you.
  • MayMaydoesntrun
    MayMaydoesntrun Posts: 805 Member
    This is interesting, I'm going to check this out next time I'm at the grocery store, thanks!
  • Hootowlhollow
    Hootowlhollow Posts: 30
    Fifth (Leading) Digit Qualifier
    The IFPS shall be responsible for deciding the assignment and definition of qualifying prefix digits
    for international recognition. At present, only three digits have been allocated:
    0 Applies to all non-qualified produce and is generally presented without the leading
    "zero" digit.
    8 Genetically modified
    9 Organic

    Q How is organically grown produce coded on a PLU label?
    A The number 9 is added to the front of the regular four digit PLU code. (e.g. an organically grown
    banana would be 94011.)
    Q How is genetically engineered produce coded on a PLU label?
    A The number 8 is added in front of the regular four digit PLU code. (e.g. a genetically engineered
    vine ripe tomato would be 84805.)


    http://www.plucodes.com/docs/IFPS-plu_codes_users_guide.pdf

    thanks for the info Mnishi!!!!!

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