Unveiling the Mystery Behind Fruit and Veggie Codes in Supermarkets
Rumors abound about secret codes on fruits and vegetables in supermarket aisles. Often, these items bear small stickers with numbers, known as 'price lookup codes' or PLU codes. But do these numbers reveal anything about the farming methods or the use of pesticides? Let's dive into the world of fruit and veggie codes to find out.
Deciphering Fruit and Vegetable Codes
In reality, organic products, such as apples or bananas, fall under the PLU code range of 84000 to 84999 and 93000 to 94999, respectively. In German supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi Nord, you can find these codes not only on packaged items but also on unpackaged goods, like fresh produce.
How PLU Codes Work
These codes are assigned globally by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), providing a standardized system for identifying various products. In German supermarkets, PLU codes function alongside GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and QR codes for product identification, functioning much like barcodes.
The Secret Behind the Numbers
Four-digit codes generally denote conventionally grown products. On the other hand, five-digit codes starting with the number 9 indicate organic products. The digit 9 is simply added before the code of the corresponding conventional product.
Misconceptions about GMO Products
While some believe five-digit codes with the prefix 8 signify genetically modified (GMO) produce, the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) clarifies that this prefix was never used in retail. Moreover, the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) states that genetically modified varieties of fruits and vegetables are currently not approved in the EU.
Discerning Organic or Conventional?
To learn about the cultivation method of your fruit or veggie, it's best to inquire at the supermarket. This is because PLU codes are primarily used to determine the item's price at checkout or for inventory control, not as consumer information.
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