PLU Codes: Identify Organic and Non-organic Produce!

PLU stands for price look-up. It is a numbering scheme that has been used in US grocery stores since the 1990s. It is used as a way to make check-out and inventory control quicker, easier, and more accurate! This idea was first used in North America, but has spread to Europe and other countries.

The PLU code applies to loose produce, which includes fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, herbs and flavorings, and nuts. Produce that is contained in a package (of various sorts) does not fall under the guidelines of the PLU code. An exception would be grapes (as they are often pre-packaged in a plastic bag.) Processed produce is also excluded. Examples include stuffed vegetables, purees, juices, etc.

The IFPS (International Federation for Produce Standards) is responsible for deciding the assignment and definition of prefix digits for international recognition. So far, only three have been identified!

0 applies to all non-qualified produce and the 0 is often not shown. (Meaning you will have a four digit code instead of five!)
8 means the product is genetically modified. (Please see a previous post I wrote on GM foods!)
9 means the product is organic.

So for example, a conventionally grown banana would have a PLU sticker 4011. If it was genetically modified,the sticker would read 84011. And if it was organically grown, it would read 94011.

You can read much more in the Produce PLU User's Guide 2006 by IFPS!

And thanks to Meghan for the heads up on this! Now only if I still had the sticker from my peaches!!