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The Meaning Behind Those Numbers Printed on Fruit Stickers: What You Need to Know
Have you ever wondered what the numbers printed on the stickers of fruits mean? The small, colorful stickers are more than just a marketing tool. In fact, they carry useful information that can help consumers make more informed choices about their produce. From the type of farming practices used to the country of origin, these numbers are packed with valuable insights. In this article, we’ll decode the meaning behind those fruit sticker numbers and explain how they can impact your grocery shopping decisions.
What Are PLUs (Price Look-Up Codes)?
The numbers on fruit stickers are part of a system called PLUs, or Price Look-Up codes. PLUs are used by retailers and wholesalers to identify specific products at the point of sale, helping cashiers quickly enter the price of produce during checkout. While this may seem like the primary function of these numbers, they also serve another important purpose – to give consumers important details about the product’s growing practices.
PLUs are typically a 4- or 5-digit number that provides key information about the produce, such as whether it was grown conventionally or organically, and even its variety. Understanding these numbers can give you a deeper understanding of where your food comes from and how it was grown.
Decoding the Numbers: What Do They Mean?
The format of the PLU code can tell you a lot about the fruit or vegetable you’re holding. Here’s a breakdown of how to interpret the numbers:
1. 4-Digit Number (Conventional Produce)
If the PLU code on the fruit sticker is a 4-digit number, it means that the produce has been grown using conventional farming methods. These are the traditional farming practices that may include the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.
Example:
- A conventional apple might have a PLU code like 4015. This code tells you it’s an apple (4015 is the identifier for the Granny Smith variety, for example), and it was grown using conventional methods.
In short: 4-digit codes = Conventionally grown.
2. 5-Digit Number Starting with a 9 (Organic Produce)
If the PLU code is a 5-digit number that starts with a 9, it indicates that the produce has been grown organically. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, and instead relies on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control.
Example:
- An organic apple might have a PLU code like 94015. The first digit (9) indicates it was grown organically, and the rest of the number (4015) identifies the specific variety (such as Granny Smith).
In short: 5-digit codes starting with 9 = Organically grown.
3. 5-Digit Number Starting with an 8 (Genetically Modified Produce)
You may occasionally see a 5-digit number starting with an 8, but these are quite rare. These PLU codes indicate that the fruit or vegetable has been genetically modified (GM) or genetically engineered (GE). These genetically modified crops have been altered in a lab to exhibit traits that do not occur naturally, such as pest resistance or tolerance to herbicides.
However, genetically modified produce is still relatively uncommon in most markets, and the use of the number “8” as a prefix is rarely used. But, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your fruits and vegetables.
Example:
- A genetically modified papaya might have a PLU code like 84015, signaling that it has been genetically engineered for resistance to a virus.
In short: 5-digit codes starting with 8 = Genetically modified.
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