What Do The 4 Digit Numbers On Produce Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The four- or five-digit numbers identify the produce,

indicating size, growing method

, type of food (apple or orange for instance) and variety (such as a Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apple). … Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have labels with four digits.

What does the 4 digit code on produce mean?

• A four-digit code beginning with a 3 or a 4 means

the produce is probably conventionally grown

. For example, regular small lemons sold in the U.S. are labeled 4033, large are 4053; small organic lemons are coded 94033, large are 94053.

What does 4011 mean on fruit?

For example, #4011 is the code for

a standard yellow banana

. The number 9 prefix added to a PLU signifies that an item is organic.

What does the 4 digit number on fruit mean?

A 4 digit code – means

your was conventionally raised

. If you don't see a label with 5 digits it is safe to assume your fruit has been grown with pesticides and chemicals in nutrient depleted soil. A 5 digit code (starting with the number 8) – means your fruit has been genetically modified.

What is the code for GMO produce?

The sticker is known as a “PLU.” Here's how to crack its numerical code: Organic produce has a five-digit code beginning with “9.” Conventionally grown produce has a four-digit code. GMO produce

begins with “8

.”

Are bananas genetically modified?

Banana and plantains are one of the world's most important food crops and widely consumed by people of all age groups. … Only few of the

Genetically Modified

(GM) bananas have qualified for field studies and some are currently undergoing nutritional human trials.

Are bananas always 4011?

For example,

all conventionally grown bananas have with the number 4011 no matter where you are

. These codes are administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). … Genetically Modified bananas #84011 – If there are five numbers, and the first is 8, then the product is genetically modified.

What do the codes on produce mean?

The four- or five-digit numbers identify the produce,

indicating size, growing method

, type of food (apple or orange for instance) and variety (such as a Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apple). The voluntary labels tell you whether you are purchasing organic or conventionally grown produce.

Are PLU codes universal?

The PLU coding system is

a globally used system

and thus a code can be used in any growing region unless specified. This system is voluntary; not mandated by any governing body.

What does 4139 mean?

4139:

Conventional Granny Smith apple

. 94139: Organic Granny Smith. 84139: Genetically Modified Granny Smith.

What does GMO stand for?

GMO stands for

Genetically Modified Organism

. Let's break it down word by word. Genetically refers to genes. Genes are made up of DNA, which is a set of instructions for how cells grow and develop. Second is Modified.

What do stickers on fruit mean?

The INSIDER Summary: Most fruit and veggies have stickers on them, and many of these stickers don't just feature the brand name, but also

a cryptic number

. These numbers are codes, and they divulge info like whether something was grown organically or not, whether it was genetically modified, etc.

What does 4015 mean?

4015 is a

small, red delicious apple

. 4016 is a large, red delicious apple. 4167 is a small, red delicious apple grown in a specific region of the US. 94015 could be used for an organically-grown, small, red delicious apple.

How do I know if produce is GMO?

  1. 4-digit number means food was conventionally grown.
  2. 5-digit number that begins with a 9 means produce is organic.
  3. 5-digit number that begins with an 8 means it is genetically modified. (

What fruits are genetically modified?

A few fresh fruits and vegetables are available in GMO varieties, including

potatoes, summer squash, apples, and papayas

. Although GMOs are in a lot of the foods we eat, most of the GMO crops grown in the United States are used for animal food.

How do you know if fruit is GMO?

For conventionally grown fruit (grown with chemicals inputs), the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered

(GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.