What do the numbers on fruit mean in Australia?

The numbers on stickers are called PLU numbers which means Price Look-Up numbers. There are around 1450 PLU numbers issued and they each refer to a different type of fresh produce. You can look them up on the PLU code database http://www.ifpsglobal.com/Identification/PLU-Codes/PLU-codes-Search.

Then, what do the numbers on the stickers of fruit mean?

Placed on fruits, stickers contain a four-to-five digit code that indicates the Price Look-up (PLU) code. So if an apple has a number code starting with 9, it is an organic fruit. However, five-digit codes starting with the number 8 identify genetically-modified (GM) fruits.

Additionally, what are the numbers on fruits and vegetables? What Those Numbers on Your Fruit Mean

Four numbers, beginning with a 3 or a 4. If your fruit or vegetable was made with conventional farming techniques, then you'll find a four-digit code that starts with a three or a four.
Five numbers, beginning with an 8.
Five numbers, beginning with a 9.

Similarly, you may ask, what does 4011 mean on fruit?

For example, #4011 is the code for a standard yellow banana. The number 9 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is organic. For example, #94011 is the code for an organic yellow banana.

What does the 4 numbers on fruit mean?

A 4 digit code – means your fruit was conventionally raised. A 5 digit code (starting with the number 8) – means your fruit has been genetically modified. It has been grown with pesticides already built in and has been modified.

29 Related Question Answers Found

What do the numbers on banana stickers mean?

If your fruit has a four digit number on it, such as 4020, then that means it has been grown using conventional methods. But if there is a five digit code beginning with the number '9', such as 94011 for bananas, then you know your fruit has been grown organically.

What's conventionally grown mean?

Conventionally grown is an agriculture term referring to a method of growing edible plants (such as fruit and vegetables) and other products. It is opposite to organic growing methods which attempt to produce without synthetic chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones) or genetically modified organisms.

What do the numbers on an Apple sticker mean?

There are plenty of numbers listed on stickers located on apples. They actually have a real meaning too, here's the meaning: 4 numbers= conventionally grown. 5 numbers starting with 8= genetically grown. 5 numbers starting with 9= organically grown."

What is PLU code starting with 3?

A four-digit code beginning with a 3 or a 4 means the produce is probably conventionally grown. For example, regular small lemons sold in the U.S. are labeled 4033, large are 4053; small organic lemons are coded 94033, large are 94053.

Are Bananas high in pesticides?

Peeled bananas are generally tainted with very few pesticide residues, according to USDA analyses, probably because those tested are peeled first. One toxic insecticide widely used in banana production is chlorpyrifos, a potent neurotoxicant member of the organophosphate insecticide family.

What does 4011 mean on bananas?

Conventionally grown bananas #4011 - If you can only see four numbers in the PLU, then the product was grown conventionally or traditionally, and pesticides were used. Genetically Modified bananas #84011 - If there are five numbers, and the first is 8, then the product is genetically modified.

How do you know if produce is GMO?

Identify how produce is grown by reading its label or sticker number.

4-digit number means food was conventionally grown.
5-digit number that begins with a 9 means produce is organic.
5-digit number that begins with an 8 means it is genetically modified. (

How can you tell if a fruit sticker is organic?

On loose fruits and vegetables, look at the Price Look Up (PLU) sticker. If the produce is organic, the code will contain five-digits beginning with 9. Non-organic counterparts will have four digits. (Example: Organically grown bananas will be 94011, compared to 4011 for those treated with chemicals and pesticides.)

What number is GMO?

GMO produce has five numbers in the PLU code, and it begins with 8.

Why do bananas have stickers?

The produce was grown traditionally with the use of pesticides. All bananas have 4011 as the code on the sticker. If the sticker has a five-digit number beginning with 9, it means that your fruit was grown organically and is best for consumption.

What is the code for GMO produce?

The secret

Organic produce has a five-digit code beginning with “9.” Conventionally grown produce has a four-digit code. GMO produce begins with “8.”

How do you read produce labels?

How to read produce labels

FOUR DIGIT NUMBERS (they all begin with 3 or 4) denote conventionally grown, non-GMO produce (that is, grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers and not genetically modified)
FIVE DIGITS BEGINNING WITH AN 8 means the produce is GMO, genetically modified.

How can you tell if a banana is GMO?

Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8. Example: A conventionally grown banana would be 4011. An organically grown banana would be 94011.

Are fruit stickers edible UK?

Fruit stickers are one of those things. They can be eaten, but they aren't exactly edible and neither is the adhesive used to stick them on. Fruit stickers and the adhesive only has to be proven as not deadly or extremely harmful to be put on an edible item.

What do numbers on vegetables mean?

A: These 4- or 5-digit numbers are PLU (Price Look Up) codes, which identify attributes of fresh fruits and vegetables, including their variety, size, and how they were grown. Codes with 4 digits are meant to represent conventionally grown produce. For example, a standard yellow banana is 4011.

What does UPC stand for?

Universal Product Code

Are bananas sprayed with chemicals?

Conventional bananas are sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. Yes, this is just as bad as it sounds—but not just for you. The toxins used to grow conventional bananas are not just on the outside. They leach into the soil where the fruit is grown.