PLU codes

Price look-up code

From Wikipedia

Price look-up codes, commonly called PLU codes, PLU numbers, PLUs, produce codes, or produce labels, are identification numbers affixed to produce in grocery stores and supermarkets to make check-out and inventory control easier, faster, and more accurate. The code may be a four-digit number, currently in the 3000–4999 range, identifying the type of bulk produce, including the variety, or a five-digit number.

A fifth digit "may be adopted for use on non-conventionally grown product", such as organic (prefixed by a '9') or genetically modified (prefixed by an '8').

The system is administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), a global coalition of fruit and vegetable associations, formed in 2001, "as equal partners to pursue the task of introducing a global standard for the use of international Price Look-Up (PLU) numbers".

 

http://plucodes.com/

 

If you want to search PLU codes press here

 

 

 

Where the fruits comes from

If the number is four digits but is out of this range it is probably a specific retailer or regional created number where none is available on the global IFPS PLU list.  (It might be a product the retailer sells exclusively or a patented variety – such as Del Monte Gold Pineapple – where one company grows and markets the product exclusively.  Neither of these situations are eligible for a global PLU).

 

A five digit number with a 9 in the front means it is certified organic and a five digit number with an 8 in the front means it is genetically modified produce.

 

 

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