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Fruit stickers can be useful, but they should not be your only source of information.
When shopping:
- Check the PLU code if you want to distinguish organic from conventional produce.
- Look for separate country-of-origin information.
- Inspect the produce for mold, major bruising, cuts, or decay.
- Compare the price per pound or per item.
- Use USDA organic labeling when organic certification matters to you.
- Do not use an 8-prefix code as proof of genetic modification.
- Wash the produce properly before eating it.
A perfect-looking sticker does not guarantee that the fruit is fresh, and a missing sticker does not automatically mean anything is wrong with it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a four-digit fruit code mean?
It normally identifies conventionally grown produce and helps the store recognize the commodity, variety, or size.
What does a code beginning with 9 mean?
A five-digit code beginning with 9 identifies organic produce within the PLU system.
Does a code beginning with 8 mean GMO?
No. That is an outdated and unreliable claim. Current 83000 and 84000 ranges can be used for new conventional PLU codes.
Do PLU codes show pesticide levels?
No. A PLU number does not measure or report pesticide residue on an individual fruit.
Are PLU codes legally required?
No. The international PLU system is voluntary and is not mandated by a government agency.
Should I remove fruit stickers before washing?
Yes. Remove the sticker, then rinse the produce thoroughly under running water.
The Bottom Line
Fruit sticker numbers are useful, but their meaning is more limited than many online articles suggest.
A four-digit PLU normally identifies conventional produce, while a five-digit code beginning with 9 identifies organic produce. A code beginning with 8 does not reliably identify genetically modified fruit.
The stickers are primarily designed to help grocery stores identify and price fresh produce. For details about organic certification, bioengineering, origin, freshness, and food safety, look beyond the PLU number and check the other available labels and store information.
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