When shopping for fresh produce, you’ve likely noticed a small sticker with a barcode attached to most fruits and vegetables. These barcodes, known as PLUs (Price Look-Up codes), offer more information than just the price. By decoding the PLU, you can identify key details about the produce, such as whether it is conventionally grown, organically grown, or genetically modified. A four-digit PLU, like “4011” for a standard yellow banana, means the fruit is conventionally grown. If the PLU has five digits starting with a “9,” like “94011,” it indicates the produce is organic. On the other hand, if the PLU starts with an “8,” such as “84011,” it signifies that the product is genetically modified, though this practice is becoming less common.
To read a barcode, simply check the first digit of the PLU. If it’s a four-digit number, you’re dealing with conventionally grown produce. If it’s five digits, pay attention to the first number: a “9” means organic, while an “8” refers to genetically modified. Knowing these codes can help you make more informed choices at the grocery store, ensuring that you choose the produce that aligns with your preferences or ethical choices. Next time you’re at the market, take a moment to decode the PLU and feel confident in the produce you’re buying.
