Identify Organic vs Conventional Produce With PLU Codes

Can you identify organic vs conventional produce with PLU codes? Once upon a time, the answer was yes! Today, however, it’s not quite so simple as just looking for a specific number at the start of the code. Don’t worry, though; I’ll share some updated ways to find identify organic produce in your supermarket!

How to Identify Organic vs. Conventional Produce

When I started making better food choices, I also learned how to read labels. I think it is so important to know what you are eating and where it comes from.

I try to buy organic food as much as possible. If you’re searching for ways to identify organic produce, I’m betting you already know why it’s better for you, so I won’t get into all the benefits of organic food right now. If you are interested in knowing more about the topic, please see my post: Powerful Reasons Why You Should Buy Organic Food.

Several years back, I discovered a neat trick to learn whether produce was organic, conventional or GMO by using the PLU code. These numbers ​are assigned by The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), after rigorous review at both national and international levels.

What are PLU Codes? They are 4 or 5 digit numbers that you can find on a small sticker applied to the individual piece of fresh produce. Here’s the neat thing- the length of the number alone gives you a major clue about whether it’s organic or not. Read on to learn how.

Identify Organic vs Conventional Produce With PLU Codes & Labels

Before we learn how to identify organic vs. conventional vs. GMO produce by using the label, it’s important to understand that the “rules” are constantly changing. Today, GMO produce doesn’t have to be labeled as such. Hopefully, that could change in the future. All of this information is accurate as of now.

Organic Produce has 5 digits

A 5-digit code that starts with the number “9” means the produce is organic. This also means you are staying away from GMOs since all organic produce grows naturally without the use of chemicals. Also, since organic produce is currently the ONLY produce with 5 digits, even just seeing that extra number clues you in. Technically, you don’t even have to look for the number 9!

Conventional Produce has 4 digits

A 4 digit code that starts with the number “4” means the produce is conventional (potentially grown with the use of chemicals and pesticides). Could it be organic? Theoretically, yes. Not all farmers use chemicals, pesticides, or GMO. However, it’s a safe bet to assume that farmers who go through the trouble of growing organic produce would want to make sure everyone actually knew it was organic.

Organic produce is typically labeled

Since PLU codes aren’t always completely reliable, your best bet is to look for the “USDA Organic” seal, either directly on the produce or on the store label in front of it. This means the produce underwent a screening process and met all of the requirements to call itself organic.

It’s important to note that ONLY the word “organic” is regulated. Just about anyone can call their product “natural,” so that word has no meaning when it comes to identifying organic vs. conventional produce.

GMO produce is not easily identifiable

Did you know that the IFPS set up a special digit to identify GMO? If the number 8 appeared at the start of the PLU code, that meant it was genetically modified. Unfortunately, using the digit wasn’t a requirement. So, of course, no one did. After all, why would a retailer want to tell you that all of their tomatoes are GMO if they don’t have to?

While GMO produce is still relatively limited, more and more items show up on the list every year. The most common types include corn, Hawaiian papaya, squash, soybeans, sugar beets, and alfalfa. New types of potatoes and apples are also GMO, as is Aquabounty salmon. That last one isn’t a type of produce, I know, but I mention it just in case you buy a lot of salmon.

Sadly, like I said, we do not know what other GMO produce will show up at the supermarket in the future. Hopefully, the PLU code for GMOs will be required in the future. Until then, remember that the only sure way you can avoid GMOs is by choosing organic produce.

Which foods should I focus on if I can only afford some organic produce?

Organic produce is more expensive than conventional, there’s no denying that. It’s sad, really, because it shouldn’t cost more to eat non-toxic food. While it’s definitely worth spending the extra money to make sure you’re getting food that’s not laced with chemicals, some people simply can’t afford it.

Here’s a list of produce with the highest pesticide residues so you can avoid them if you cannot buy everything organic.

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (Imported)
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

Knowing how to identify organic vs. conventional produce with PLU codes and Labels is a fantastic trick if you want to stay away from chemicals or pesticides and learn more about your produce. Just remember that you can’t really use a 4-digit code to determine if something is GMO. For that, you have to either rely on the “USDA Organic” sticker or the 5-digit code.

Stay healthy and eat lots of fruits and veggies!