What do the labels on fruit mean?

What do the labels on fruit mean?

When you're shopping for fruit, you might have noticed that some fruits come with labels. These labels are not just for decoration – they contain important information that can help you make informed choices about what you eat. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what the labels on fruit mean.

 

What is a PLU code?

The most common label you'll see on fruit is the PLU code. PLU stands for "Price Look Up" code, and it is a four or five-digit number that identifies a particular type of fruit or vegetable. PLU codes were introduced in the 1990s to make it easier for retailers to track inventory and to help consumers identify produce at the checkout.

The first digit of the PLU code indicates whether the fruit is conventionally grown (begins with 3 or 4), organically grown (begins with 9), or genetically modified (begins with 8). The remaining digits identify the specific fruit or vegetable. For example, a conventionally grown banana has a PLU code of 4011, while an organically grown banana has a PLU code of 94011.

 

What is a sticker label?

In addition to PLU codes, you might also see fruit with sticker labels. These labels can contain information about the country of origin, the variety of fruit, and the grower or packer of the fruit. In some cases, the labels may also indicate whether the fruit was grown using organic or conventional methods.

Sticker labels are particularly common on imported fruits, as they are required by law in many countries to ensure that consumers have access to accurate information about the food they are buying.

 

What do the labels on organic fruit mean?

If you're looking for organic fruit, you'll want to look for the USDA organic label. This label indicates that the fruit has been grown and processed according to strict federal guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.

In order to use the USDA organic label, growers must adhere to a strict set of standards, which are enforced by third-party certifiers. These standards require that at least 95% of the ingredients in a product be organic, and they also prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

In conclusion, the labels on fruit can provide valuable information about the food you're buying. Whether you're looking for conventional or organic fruit, taking a moment to read the labels can help you make informed choices about the food you put into your body.

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