Don’t buy fruits without reading label (PLU code) on it

Have you ever seen a sticker or label on fruit in the market? Do you know the significance of that label or the message given from that label?

Many people think that sticker on fruits is for the convenience of the cashier to decide the price of that produce. That is also one reason. But it also provides more important information about the produce. This small sticker placed on fresh produce has 4- or 5-digit code. It displays the PLU code. This code provides information on many product attributes, including commodity, variety, growing method (e.g. conventional / organic / GM) and size (large or small). In many countries the price of fruits is determined by these factors. These codes are assigned by the International Federation of Product Standards (IFPS). The PLU code guarantees the right price to be paid by the customer by assisting the cashier to identify the products without wasting time for checking whether they are conventionally or organically grown, or GMO or non- GMO and the size.

According to the PLU code, fruits can be divided into three categories. If the label shows,

1.        A four digit code starting with number 3 or 4, it indicates that the fruit has been conventionally grown. Conventionally means chemical fertilizers and pesticides were used to grow it.

2.       A five-digit code starting with number 9, it indicates that the fruit has been organically grown. Organically means, fruits were grown without using chemical fertilizers.

3.       A five-digit code starting with number 8, it can be identified as a Genetically Modified (GM) fruits.

The prefix ‘9’ is added in front of the 4-digit conventionally grown code for organic produce and prefix ‘8’ is for Genetically Modified fruits. PLU code is different depending on the fruit and the size.

E.g.:  4011 – Conventionally grown yellow banana

         94011 – Organically grown yellow banana

         84011 – Genetically modified yellow banana

         4033 – Conventionally grown small size lemon

         4053 - Conventionally grown large size lemon

        Small organic lemons are coded with 94033 and large are 94053

        Small GM lemons are coded with 84033, large are 84053

The PLU coding system is voluntary, not mandate by any governing body. There are currently over 1400 PLU codes issued for fresh produce and produce related items.

When considering about all these factors, fruits only with PLU code starting with no 9 is can be ensured as safe for consumption without any risk. But it’s better to consume fruits grown in your own gardens as much as possible to avoid all kinds of health hazards. If you need to buy fruits from the market, always choose locally produced fruits. If it is off season, organic fruits would be the next best choice which is with no. 9 PLU code because the healthiness of GMO is still a matter of dispute.

Importance of checking PLU code before buying fruits - Video clip