PLU Codes Demystified

Have you ever wondered what those little stickers on your fresh produce mean? A few weeks ago I happened to ask this question and decided to do some research. As I dove in, I learned about those numbers on the stickers.

It turns out they're called PLU codes or Price-Look Up codes. I also learned a lot more about exactly what organic, traditionally or conventionally grown, and genetically modified mean. The stickers on produce are much more than what meets the eye. The first number on a PLU code can tell you a lot about the produce.

• 9XXXX: The number 9 followed by four other digits signifies the product is organic.
• 8XXXX: The number 8 followed by four other digits signifies the product has been genetically modified.
• 0XXXX or XXXX: The number 0 followed by four other digits or a PLU code of just four digits generally means the product is traditionally grown, though it’s not a 100% guarantee the product has not been genetically modified.

To get all the details, check out this easy-to-read infographic from one of our awesome designers.

You'll never look at those little stickers the same way again. What are your favorite tips for eating organic?

Sources:

http://www.plucodes.com/docs/Users_Guide.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/dirty-dozen-foods
http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/produce.asp
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Save-on-Sustainable-Gallery-44032808