General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWorried about GMO's? Ck supermarket code:
1. If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or traditionally with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.
2. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with 8?, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being organic. So, it is possible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
3. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with 9?, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011
KansDem
(28,498 posts)Does that also mean it could be grown organically from a GMO seed?
...it is possible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds.
Dr Hobbitstein
(6,568 posts)Number 3 states that a nine designates organic NOT grown from GMO seed. GMO trumps organic, so a number 8 could be an organically grown banana, but from GMO seed.
Also, conventional AND GMO have to be stored separate from organic foods in their bins. I used to work for Wild Oats (and then Whole Foods once they bought us out, then shut us down a year later) for about 5 years as a meat cutter. We had to use different cutting boards for organic meats (organic grain or organic grass fed) vs the natural (organic grain fed, no hormones, pesticides, antibiotics). Also had to keep them in separate display cases. The same went for produce and dried bulk goods. We had to undergo a LOT of training for this, with regular retraining every year, plus bi-monthly surprise inspections. The USDA levies hefty fines for not following these guidelines...
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Let's put a rumor to rest. No, the 5-digit PLU codes on produce do not tell you what is genetically modified or natural. This urban legend has circulated long enough, even on the best of websites. It's time to take it down.
Dr Hobbitstein
(6,568 posts)but the rest of what I put up there is true. But, it looks like a 9 on the PLU still means organic. However, organic is required to be labeled as such in addition to a PLU.
mother earth
(6,002 posts)this.
It's incredibly difficult to figure out what you are truly buying these days. Farmer's markets and buying local is the best way to go, or better yet, grow what you eat.
I am completely against frankenfoods & like most people, would like to see GMO's labeled as such. Monsanto is pure evil IMHO.
Whatever tools there are for people to decipher BS from fact, is welcome. Thank you, jberryhill for bringing this to our attention.