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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

plu codes

Author

Emily Wong

Updated on May 22, 2026

A PLU code, or price look up code, is a 4 or 5 digit code that is unique to a particular produce item; based upon the commodity, the variety and the size group; and will typically appear on a small sticker that is applied to the individual piece of fresh produce.

What does a PLU beginning with a 3 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 product will have a PLU code?

PLU codes are assigned to fruits and vegetables following a rigorous review process conducted by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). Like the industry standardized UPCs, a block of PLU numbers have been reserved for individual use by retailers.

How do you read PLU codes?

Using Price Look-up Codes (PLUs), the Nutshell:

PLU codes are four digit numbers that identify different types of produce. 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. For example, #94011 is the code for an organic yellow banana.

What do PLU numbers mean?

PLU codes are 4- or 5-digit numbers and appear on a small sticker applied to the individual piece of fresh produce. The PLU number identifies produce items based upon various attributes which can include the commodity, variety, growing methodology (e.g., organic), and the size.

What is PLU and SKU?

PLU (Price Look-Up code) and SKU (Stock keeping unit) numbers are used to sell items at the cash register without scanning.

What does 4173 mean on a Apple?

APPLES (4173)Variety: Royal Gala. Variety Info: Type: Global.

What does 4016 mean on Apple?

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.

What do barcodes on fruit mean?

The number is called a PLU code, or a price-lookup code. You may be surprised by what that produce sticker reveals. PLU codes have been used by supermarkets since 1990 to help checkers identify fruits and vegetables so they can charge the correct price and maintain better inventory control.

How do you memorize produce codes?

Make flash cards to help you memorize produce codes. You can use pictures or the name of the produce, depending on how you learn better. The trick is to learn not only what code goes to what item, but to be able to name an item when you see the code. Spend extra time on memorizing codes to similar items.

Are all grocery store produce codes the same?

PLU stands for Price Look-Up, a numbering system that has been used by supermarkets on produce items since 1990 for easier checkout, accurate inventory control and categorizing types of produce. All stores use the same codes.

What is banana code?

1. Conventionally grown produce has four digits on the sticker. If you buy a banana with a four-digit code (4011 is the code for bananas) on the sticker, that banana was conventionally grown with the use of pesticides. All conventionally grown produce will have stickers with four digits.

Are Del Monte bananas GMO?

The fruit, vegetables and tomatoes we use in our products have always been Non-GMO, but some of our added ingredients for sweeteners or flavorings have been sourced from genetically modified crops like corn or soybeans.

What does a PLU code starting with 6 mean?

organically grown produce. PLU codes starting with the prefix ‘6’ are not. part of the internationally standardized list of PLU codes for use with fresh. produce. IFPS is unable to provide any clarity on where the number.

How do you identify GMO foods?

Identify how produce is grown by reading its label or sticker number.
4-digit number means food was conventionally grown.5-digit number that begins with a 9 means produce is organic.5-digit number that begins with an 8 means it is genetically modified. (