Food

Here’s Why You Should Always Check Out the Numbers on Fruit Labels

2016-03-02 , 9:40 am

Last Updated on 2023-01-24 , 7:11 pm

Have you ever wondered if the stickers and labels on fruits in the supermarkets meant anything more than identifying where it was produced and how much it costs?

Here’s why you should always check out the numbers on fruit labels before purchasing them.

What the Numbers Stand For

These stickers on the fruits, known as PLU codes, are for identification purposes in grocery stalls and supermarkets. It allows the shop to check the price of these products and brings more convenience and accuracy.

Apart from that, it also allows the buyer, you to learn about commercially grown fruits and vegetables. By looking at the PLU numbers—which means Price Look Up numbers, you’ll be able to identify whether it’s genetically or organically grown crops.

PLU with 4 numbers
The PLU labels containing 4 numbers actually mean that these crops are conventionally grown, or otherwise known as grown traditionally. These products contain pesticides that can cause health risks when accumulated in the body and may also harm our environment.

PLU with 5 numbers beginning with 9
This indicates that these crops are organically grown, and not genetically. These are the safest to eat products with least harm.

PLU with 5 numbers beginning with 8
These crops are genetically modified, and they aren’t organic. These products are also labeled as GMO, and some commercial GMO crops include: soybeans, corn, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, canola, papaya and squash.

Some tomatoes are also genetically modified, called transgenic tomatoes. These tomatoes have the genes modified done by genetic engineering. Some of the tomatoes now still are modified in one way or another, such as ripening tomatoes with artificial means. GMO tomatoes are not approved in the North America and Europe anymore.

Don’t forget to check out the PLU numbers now and look what you put into your mouth!

Here’s Why You Should Always Check Out the Numbers on Fruit Labels

What the Numbers Stand For

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