Understanding What Number is the GMO Food Sticker

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Since January 1, 2022, a USDA standard requires foods containing bioengineered (BE) ingredients to be clearly labeled, replacing the widely misunderstood PLU code system. Understanding what number is the GMO food sticker today is less about a single digit and more about recognizing official government-mandated disclosures.

Quick Summary

Decipher the difference between the outdated PLU code '8' and the current, mandatory USDA bioengineered food disclosure standard, which uses symbols, text, and electronic links for labeling.

Key Points

The '8' PLU code is not a reliable GMO indicator: While once proposed to identify genetically modified produce, this number was never widely adopted and is now obsolete.
Look for the USDA Bioengineered seal: The official US mandatory disclosure for foods containing detectable BE ingredients features a specific green and white symbol or text.
Refined ingredients may not be labeled: Many refined products from bioengineered crops, like corn syrup, do not contain detectable modified genetic material and are exempt from mandatory BE labeling.
Certified organic means non-bioengineered: Any product with the USDA Organic seal is guaranteed to be non-bioengineered, as genetic modification is an excluded method under organic standards.
Voluntary labels provide more information: Many companies use third-party certifications, such as the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly, to provide additional assurance beyond the mandatory standards.

The Origins of the Misleading PLU Code

For many years, a common piece of advice in the produce aisle suggested that a five-digit number starting with an '8' on a small sticker signified a genetically modified organism (GMO). This voluntary system, administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), was intended to help retailers with inventory and pricing. A number starting with a '9' indicated organic produce, while a standard four-digit code denoted conventionally grown items.

Why the '8' Prefix Was Unreliable

The PLU code system is voluntary and primarily for retail inventory, not consumer information. The five-digit code starting with '8' was a rare sight and was discontinued by the IFPS around 2015, making it obsolete for identifying GMOs.

The New USDA Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

Mandatory compliance for the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) began on January 1, 2022. This standard mandates clear labeling for foods containing detectable modified genetic material not achievable through conventional breeding.

Disclosure Options Under the NBFDS

Manufacturers can use text, a specific symbol, an electronic/digital link, or a text message option for disclosure.

Key Exemptions to the Disclosure Standard

The standard includes exemptions for highly refined ingredients with no detectable modified genetic material, food served in restaurants, USDA certified organic foods (which prohibit genetic engineering), and products from very small manufacturers. Choosing organic is a reliable way to avoid BE ingredients.

PLU Codes vs. Bioengineered Labels: A Comparison

To highlight the difference between the old voluntary system and the new mandatory one, here is a comparison table:


Feature	PLU Codes	USDA Bioengineered Label
Purpose	Inventory management and retail pricing	Mandatory consumer disclosure
System Type	Voluntary for loose produce, not regulated by government	Mandatory for packaged foods with detectable bioengineered ingredients
GMO Indicator	Five-digit number starting with '8' (now unreliable and unused)	Standardized symbol, text, QR code, or text message
Reliability	Low, due to voluntary nature and discontinuation of the '8' code	High, required by law for applicable products
Applicability	Fresh, loose produce	Packaged, processed, and bulk foods with detectable BE ingredients

How to Find Non-Bioengineered Food Today

Consumers can identify or avoid bioengineered food through several methods.

Tips for Navigating the Grocery Store

Look for the USDA Bioengineered Label: Identify the official symbol, text, or digital link for mandatory disclosure on packaged foods. More information is available on the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service website.
Choose Certified Organic Products: The USDA Organic seal guarantees the absence of genetic engineering.
Use Third-Party Verification: Voluntary labels like the Non-GMO Project Verified seal offer additional assurance.
Shop Locally: Direct communication with local farmers at markets can provide information about growing practices.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Shopping Decisions

The outdated PLU code '8' is not a reliable indicator for genetically modified food. The current, mandatory USDA Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard is the key for identifying BE ingredients, utilizing specific symbols, text, or digital links. Consumers can confidently avoid BE foods by choosing products with the USDA Organic seal or third-party non-GMO certifications, enabling informed choices at the grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions

While commonly used interchangeably, 'GMO' is the broader consumer term, whereas 'Bioengineered' (BE) is the official term used by the USDA for mandatory labeling under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

No. A four-digit PLU code only signifies conventionally grown produce. This system is voluntary, and a manufacturer could use a conventional code even if the produce is genetically modified.

The official symbol is a green and white circle with a sun and terraced fields. A black-and-white version is also acceptable. The symbol contains the word “BIOENGINEERED”.

No. If modified genetic material is not detectable in the final product due to the refining process, mandatory labeling is not required. Some companies may voluntarily label these products as 'derived from bioengineering'.

A five-digit PLU code that starts with the number '9' reliably indicates that the produce is certified organic and therefore cannot be genetically modified.

It is required on foods with detectable bioengineered genetic material, with some key exemptions. Exemptions include food served in restaurants, products from very small manufacturers, and USDA Organic certified products.

These are alternative disclosure methods allowed under the NBFDS. Scanning the QR code or calling/texting the number will provide the required bioengineered food disclosure.