The meaning of PLU Codes
- A five-digit code beginning with a “9” is one that has been priced as organic. ...
- A four-digit code beginning with a 3 or a 4 means the produce is probably conventionally grown. For example, regular small lemons sold in the U.S. ...
- A five-digit code that starts with an 8 means the item is genetically modified (GMO).
How do you know if produce is GMO?
Identify how produce is grown by reading its label or sticker number.4-digit number means food was conventionally grown.5-digit number that begins with a 9 means produce is organic.5-digit number that begins with an 8 means it is genetically modified. (
What is the code for genetically modified food?
8The number 9 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is organic. For example, #94011 is the code for an organic yellow banana. A number 8 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is genetically engineered (GE).
What numbers mean GMO?
If you don't see a five-digit PLU beginning “9,” assume it's GMO....The sticker is known as a “PLU.” Here's how to crack its numerical code:Organic produce has a five-digit code beginning with “9.”Conventionally grown produce has a four-digit code.GMO produce begins with “8.”
How can you tell if a barcode is GMO?
In short, yes, when checking out food at the grocery store, a four-digit number that is preceded by an “8” means the food is genetically modified.
Are GMOs labeled?
GMOs are not currently labeled in the United States. However, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) was published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2018. This law, which you may have heard called the DARK Act, is the start of mandatory GMO labeling in the United States.
Do GMO have to be labeled?
The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), which was published in the Federal Register in December 2018, marked the start of mandatory GMO labeling in the United States. Manufacturers will be required to label products containing GMOs by 2022.
How can you tell the difference between GMO and non GMO?
Non-GMO labeling steps are nearly equivalent but require lesser money for certification. The organic label means free of GMOs and pesticides. Meanwhile, the non-GMO label indicates that the food product was not created with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
How do you know if an apple is GMO?
For example, if the PLU number is 4130 for a standard grown apple, (all accepted fertilizers and fungicides used conventionally) If it was organically grown, it would read 94130. If the fruit is genetically altered (or GE or GMO) it will have an “8” prefaced to the four digit code. As in 84130.
Are all bananas GMO?
Are bananas GMOs? The short answer is no. The banana available in U.S. grocery stores is a cultivar called the Cavendish banana. This type of banana is a non-GMO banana that is not currently available as a GM variety, or GMO, in the United States.
What does a PLU code starting with 3 mean?
conventionally grownA four-digit code beginning with a 3 or a 4 means the produce is probably conventionally grown. For example, regular small lemons sold in the U.S. are labeled 4033, large are 4053; small organic lemons are coded 94033, large are 94053. •
Which GMO foods to avoid?
Top 10 GMO-Filled Foods to AvoidCanned Soup. Although you may enjoy it when you are sick or on a chilly winter day, most pre-made soups contain GMOs. ... Corn. In 2011, nearly 88 percent of corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. ... Soy. ... Canola Oil. ... Papayas. ... Yellow Squash/Zucchinis. ... Meat. ... Milk.More items...•
What does the 4 digit code on fruit mean?
conventionally grown produceThe four- or five-digit numbers identify the produce, indicating size, growing method, type of food (apple or orange for instance) and variety (such as a Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apple). The voluntary labels tell you whether you are purchasing organic or conventionally grown produce.
What is the PLU code for bananas?
An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011. A PLU code beginning with a “6” identifies pre-cut fruits and vegetables. If there are 5 digits in the PLU code, and the number starts with an “8”, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being ...
What does a 5 digit PLU code mean?
Here are the basics: A 5-digit PLU code starting with the number “3” means the produce was irradiated (electronically pasteurized). If there are only 4 digits in the PLU and they begin with a “3” or “4”, it means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four digits of the PLU code are simply ...
What does the PLU code on a sticker mean?
The PLU code, or price lookup number printed on the sticker, also tells you how the fruit was grown. By reading the PLU code, you can tell if the fruit was genetically modified, organically grown or produced with chemical fertilizers, fungicides, or herbicides.
What is PLU labeling?
Labeling produce with PLU codes are typically required by the retail industry to assist with point-of-sale (POS) identification. In various countries, most medium to large retailers expect a PLU as part of conducting business. Reference: https://www.ifpsglobal.com/Identification/PLU-Codes.
Can you eat organic produce that is genetically modified?
So, it is impossible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds. For example, a genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011. If there are 5 digits in the PLU code, and the number starts with a “9”, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified.
Is PLU sticker required on loose produce?
It is not regulated by a governmental agency. Specifically, no regulatory body requires a PLU sticker on loose produce. Labeling produce with PLU codes are typically required by the retail industry to assist with point-of-sale (POS) ...
How many non-GMO fruits are there?
Although a list of non-GMO brands won't help you figure out if your produce is genetically modified, the great news is that there are only 4 GMO veggies or fruits at this point: papaya, but only from Hawaii and no where else; some zucchini and yellow squash, and some corn on the cob.
Does produce have a PLU code?
No, the 5-digit PLU codes on produce do not tell you what is genetically modified or natural. These numbers, organized by the Produce Marketing Association, have nothing to do with you.
Does PLU code tell you what is genetically modified?
No, the 5-digit PLU codes on produce do not tell you what is genetically modified or natural. This urban legend has circulated long enough, even on the best of websites. It's time to take it down.
What is a PLU code?
PLU codes are four digit numbers that identify different types of produce. For example, #4011 is the code for a standard yellow banana. The number 9 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is organic. For example, #94011 is the code for an organic yellow banana.
What does the number 8 on a PLU mean?
For example, #94011 is the code for an organic yellow banana. A number 8 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is genetically engineered (GE). For example, #84011 is the code for a genetically engineered yellow banana. PLU codes and their organic prefixes are in wide use but GE codes are rare at best. More info:
Can PLU codes identify genetically engineered produce?
Even though the defeat of Proposition 37 means that genetically engineered information will not be added to labels at this time, PLU codes do have the potential to identify genetically engineered produce. This video shows you how to read PLU codes to unlock the information that is already right at your fingertips.
