The Origins of PLU Codes
Price Look-Up (PLU) codes are voluntary, four- or five-digit numbers used by retailers to identify fresh produce. These small stickers on fruits and vegetables are primarily for inventory tracking and pricing at the checkout counter, not for informing consumers about how the food was grown. The system is managed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), which creates a standardized set of numbers for items like apples, bananas, and other fresh produce worldwide. While their main purpose is for retail logistics, the codes have taken on a secondary meaning for some shoppers seeking information about their food. This has led to the rise of misinformation regarding their true significance, especially concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The Misconception of the GMO "8" PLU Code
For many years, a popular and persistent myth circulated online suggested that a five-digit PLU code starting with the number '8' identified genetically modified produce. This was based on an early, and ultimately failed, attempt by the IFPS to establish a standard for GMO labeling within the PLU system. According to the system, a standard four-digit code was for conventionally grown produce, a five-digit code starting with '9' was for organic, and the five-digit code starting with '8' was reserved for GMOs. However, the prefix was never widely adopted by retailers. In fact, it was officially retired for this use by the IFPS in 2015 and re-allocated for future produce items. This means that if you find a sticker with a code starting with an '8' today, it is highly unlikely to signify a GMO product. Relying on this code is, therefore, unreliable and misleading.
How to Interpret Modern PLU Codes
To properly understand what the codes on produce stickers mean today, consumers should focus on the format and the first digit. The IFPS has a clear and logical system for the codes that are currently in use, differentiating between conventionally grown and organic items.
Conventional Produce (Four-Digit Code) A four-digit PLU code, typically starting with a '3' or '4', indicates that the produce was grown conventionally. This means it was grown using common agricultural practices, which can include the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It is crucial to understand that many conventionally grown crops are, in fact, genetically modified, but the four-digit PLU code does not disclose this information. For example, a conventional banana is coded as 4011.
Organic Produce (Five-Digit Code, Begins with '9') If the PLU code has five digits and starts with the number '9', it means the produce was certified organic. The organic certification process is a stringent standard that prohibits the use of genetic engineering, synthetic pesticides, and many other inputs. The '9' prefix is the most reliable identifier on a PLU code for consumers who wish to avoid genetically modified or conventionally grown produce. For example, an organic banana would be 94011.
Reliable Identification of Bioengineered Foods
Since PLU codes are unreliable for identifying GMOs, consumers need to look for official and legally mandated labeling. In the United States, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard went into effect in 2022, requiring food manufacturers, importers, and retailers to disclose if foods are bioengineered.
The "Bioengineered" Symbol This new standard uses a circular "Bioengineered" symbol to indicate that a food product contains bioengineered ingredients. Unlike PLU stickers, this is a federally regulated requirement for many packaged food items. This provides a much more accurate and trustworthy method for identifying bioengineered foods than the retired PLU code system. The label will typically be found on the food's packaging, not on individual fruits or vegetables.
Opting for Certified Organic For fresh produce, the most straightforward approach is to choose items with a USDA Organic seal. This certification explicitly prohibits the use of GMOs in the growing process. By selecting products with the "USDA Organic" label or a five-digit PLU starting with '9', consumers can be confident that they are purchasing non-GMO produce.
PLU Code Breakdown
To help clarify the differences, here is a summary of the PLU code meanings.
| Code Type | Number of Digits | First Digit | Meaning | Example (Banana) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Four | 3 or 4 | Standard farming practices, may use pesticides. May be GMO, but not indicated. | 4011 |
| Organic | Five | 9 | Certified organic, non-GMO farming. | 94011 |
| Genetically Modified | Five | 8 | Obsolete and unreliable. Code was retired by IFPS in 2015. | Not in use for this purpose. |
Conclusion
The idea that you can simply check a produce sticker for a PLU number starting with '8' to identify a GMO product is a myth based on an outdated and unused system. For reliable information on how your food is grown, the best practice is to look for officially recognized labels. If you want to avoid genetically modified ingredients, prioritize products with the USDA Organic seal, as this guarantees the item is non-GMO. Alternatively, for packaged foods, the federally mandated "Bioengineered" label is the correct indicator. Understanding the actual meaning of PLU codes and official labeling empowers you to make informed decisions about the food you purchase. For more information on the official PLU code system, consult the International Federation for Produce Standards website.
