Tag: Conventionally grown

According to the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), there are over 1,500 Price Look-Up (PLU) codes used on fresh produce. Understanding these stickers and the famous tech decals answers the common question, "What are the apple stickers for?" and clarifies their different functions for consumers.

A 2024 survey revealed that a significant portion of consumers are confused by the Price Look-Up (PLU) codes on fresh produce. The code 4011, found on most bananas, specifically indicates that the banana is conventionally grown and is not genetically modified (GMO).

The small sticker on your produce holds a powerful secret about its growing method, a system standardized since the 1990s. If you've ever wondered **what is number 3 on fruit**, it's a key part of the Price Look-Up (PLU) code system, indicating a conventional farming approach.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pesticide residues on conventionally grown foods are typically well within safe limits set by regulatory bodies. This brings into focus a critical question for many health-conscious consumers: **is conventionally grown healthy?**. While concerns persist, scientific evidence indicates that the health benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, regardless of how they are grown, far outweigh the potential risks associated with regulated pesticide exposure.

The stickers on fresh produce, though small, contain valuable information encoded in Price Look-Up (PLU) codes. The universally recognized code 4011 on fruit, specifically bananas, indicates that the item was conventionally grown using standard agricultural practices.