The chances are that most of us at one time or another
have noticed those little stickers you find on pieces of fruit. Apart from the
bright logos they have on them, there’s also a digital PLU code (or Price
Look-Up Code). It turns out that fruit producers are not only trying to
advertize themselves here, they’re also providing us with important consumer
information.
We at Bright Side decided to tell you all about how to
understand what these numbers mean and the secrets they contain.
A four-digit code beginning with the
number 3 or 4
If there are only four numbers on the sticker, then it
means the fruit (or vegetable) was produced with the help of modern agronomic
techniques — including abundant amounts of fertilizer and pesticides.
A five-digit code beginning with the
number 8
When you see this sticker, the fruit has been genetically
modified as part of the growing process. Yes, that’s right. This is the GMO
food that continues to cause so much controversy. Research shows that melons,
bananas, and papayas are the types of fruit that are genetically modified the
most often.
A five-digit code beginning with the
number 9
If you see this kind of code, it means the fruit was grown
using the old farming methods of our ancestors: with their own hands and
without any chemicals. These are organic products.
If the fruit has no PLU code
Most people try to find fruit without stickers. But this
could actually be dangerous: fruit that’s imported from abroad should always be
labeled in this way. If there isn’t a label, the chances are it’s been removed
for a specific reason — and one that isn’t likely to be to your advantage as a
consumer.
