PLU - meaning behind the numbers

80% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified.

The FDA does not require genetically modified food to be labeled.

How is one to know while they are shopping how the food is grown? Do you wonder if the tomato you’re eating has been crossbred with frog genes to render the tomato more resistant to cold weather?

There is a code to determine if the fruits and vegetables you’re buying are (GM) genetically modified.

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.

For example:

• A conventionally grown banana would be: 4011
• An organic banana would be: 94011
• A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011