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The Meaning Behind Those Numbers That Are Printed on Fruit Stickers

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Sure! Here’s an article on **The Meaning Behind Those Numbers That Are Printed on Fruit Stickers**:

### The Meaning Behind Those Numbers That Are Printed on Fruit Stickers

If you’ve ever picked up a piece of fruit at the grocery store, you’ve likely noticed a small, colorful sticker affixed to it. These little labels often include a combination of numbers, sometimes with a few letters or symbols. But have you ever wondered what these numbers mean?

Those digits are more than just a random assortment of numbers—they’re part of a coding system that provides important information about the fruit you’re buying. From how it was grown to whether it’s organic or conventionally farmed, these stickers offer valuable insight into your produce’s journey from farm to table. Let’s dive into the meaning behind those fruit sticker numbers and what they can tell you about your food.

### The PLU Code System: What Are PLU Codes?

The numbers on fruit stickers are known as **PLU codes** (Price Look-Up codes), and they are used to identify produce at the point of sale. PLU codes were introduced in the 1990s by the **Produce Marketing Association (PMA)** and **United Fresh Produce Association**, and they have since become a standardized system used worldwide by grocery stores and supermarkets.

PLU codes are typically 4 or 5 digits long and are assigned to specific types of produce to help cashiers quickly identify and price them. But beyond just helping the checkout process run smoothly, the PLU system also helps consumers and retailers track the growing practices of the produce they’re purchasing. The number of digits in a PLU code and its initial digit offer clues about how the fruit was grown.

### The First Digit: Organic, Conventional, or Genetically Modified?

The first digit of a PLU code tells you a lot about the farming practices used to grow the fruit or vegetable. This digit is a quick way to determine whether the item is organic, conventionally grown, or genetically modified.

 

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