What Do the Number Stickers on Fruit Mean?

On the fruit you purchase from the grocery store, you’re likely to notice a small sticker. This sticker likely displays the brand of the fruit, the place where it was grown, and a small unique number. While this number might seem meaningless to you, it can actually tell you a lot about the fruit you’re buying. 

4 Digit Number

Consumers know the codes on fruit stickers as PLU codes (Price Lookup Codes). These codes exist in either 4 digits or 5 digits.

If your fruit has a 4-digit code, it indicates conventional growth. This means farmers grow it using pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. It also means there was no genetic mutation involved.

Farmers use these chemicals to promote plant growth and reduce pests. This is one of the most common methods of growing produce.

Using chemicals on food may seem concerning. Studies found no big difference in health or nutrition between conventionally grown and organic food. Farmers often find it easier to produce conventionally grown food in higher quantities. 

5 Digit Number Starting with 9

If the code on your fruit is a 5-digit number, two potential options indicate how your food was grown. If the 5-digit code begins with a 9, it shows that the produce was grown organically.

Farmers grow organic produce without using pesticides and other chemicals, unlike conventionally grown produce. Organic foods must meet much higher standards to earn the organic label. They cannot contain any pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, or any other man-made chemicals. Farmers must grow organic foods using natural pesticides and fertilizers.  

Some people find it hard to choose between buying organic or regular fruits and vegetables because organic produce costs more. One option is to focus on the kind of fruit you’re purchasing. To reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, buy organic thin-skinned fruit like apples. However, you can purchase conventionally grown fruit when purchasing thick-skinned produce like bananas. 

5 Digit Number Starting with 8

The other option for a 5-digit code is numbers beginning with an 8. This indicates that the fruit has undergone genetic modification. Scientists created genetically modified foods to make it easier for farmers to grow their crops.

When scientists genetically modify food, they alter the DNA using technology. Modification can make crops resistant to pests and diseases. This reduces crop loss. Genetically modified crops also don’t need heavy use of pesticides and other chemicals.

One of the most common genetically modified fruits is the papaya. Farmers in Hawaii grow the Rainbow Papaya, a variety that is resistant to the ringspot virus. Growing this variety produces more papayas and reduces losses to viruses. 

When you know what the codes on your fruit stickers mean, you can make conscious choices about the fruit you are buying. You can learn how farmers grew your food and decide if that’s the right choice for you. Next time you shop, look at the stickers. 

InStockLabels sells a variety of food stickers for personal and consumer use. Click here to explore your options.