Is this Italian Kiwi organic? How about genetically modified? It's easy to find out - simply read the sticker!
Produce stickers and labels hold a lot more information than simply the cute name or slogan of a fruit of veggie. By reading the sticker number, you can actually confirm if the piece of produce you hold in your hand is organic, not organic and/or genetically modified. How? First, stop smiling at the cute Garfield face on the banana sticker and find the code. Next...notice that the bar code on that sticker is for price information.
Next, notice that the labels on fruits and veggies will have a 4 or 5 digit code.
If your produce has 4 digits, it means that it was "conventionally grown, but not organic".
If it has 5 digits, and begins with a 9, it means that the produce was organically grown.
A 5 digit code that begins with an 8 indicates that the produce was genetically modified.
For example, the kiwi in the photo above has a code "4030"
So, this kiwi is not organic, but conventionally grown. It is NOT genetically modified.
The same is true for the melon with the number: "4317"
If an apple sticker said "96584" it would have been grown organically. An apple with "86584" would be genetically altered.
Ed says
Only genetically modified versions of corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, papaya, and squash are now widely sold.
Klaus says
Could pls someone tell me what happen with the other products, like chips or cookies, milk, cans... do you know the bar codes... which ones are good and which ones not? thank you
Susan Bayes says
I bought organic red peppers from Costco Canada. Peppers are a product of Mexico, packaged in Kingsville Ont. With Canada organic label. The number on the upc code is 743243. Are these peppers organic ?.
Hrnakshi Joashi says
Yes - I'm from India and have apples with code 4015. Unfortunately its not easy to get organic stuff here.
Luz Elena says
Checking label codes and i hv found organic food starting with a 4 or 8😳...😔
Hrnakshi Joashi says
The person selling is probably trying to palm off conventionally produced stuff at the price of organic produce...taking advantage of the ignorance of most people regarding labels
Luz Elena says
The code reading is for anywhere or it depends on the country? I'm in USA, help! Cuz if I'm spending more for organic food, I want to make sure is organic!
Gryphon Ennis says
to use the upc code you can get the free app called buycott. It is excellent and will help you know all about the product and who will get the money from your purchase.
NothingToSeeHere says
*Facepalm* Did you even read the article!? This is about PRODUCE labels, not the UPC on the side of your pasta box........
Julia says
Most Americans wouldn't buy a GMO product if they knew it was genetically modified. That's why some retailers and companies use a 'conventionally grown' PLU code beginning with a "4" instead of using a 5 digit PLU code beginning with an "8." Also, PLU codes are optional. Some retailers don't even use them. Buying produce from a farmer's market is probably the best way to go although they may grow their crops with genetically modified seeds. Genetically modified seeds also don't require any GM labeling. People may be buying modified seeds without even knowing it.
Luvern says
I've been checking bar codes on all "food" and am totally confused...10 digits, prefixes, 1 through 9 coding. Mind you, it's on boxed and canned foods, not produce. Anyone know where I can find out bar code standards for Canada?
Nat says
I´m from Chile and my kiwis also had the code 4030, so I guess this coding system is international.
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. That *is* weird. We do get navels from South Africa and Australia, which I don't buy, but they probably just carry over. Hey, as long as it's not GM, it's cool. 🙂
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. That *is* weird. We do get navels from South Africa and Australia, which I don't buy, but they probably just carry over. Hey, as long as it's not GM, it's cool. 🙂
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. That *is* weird. We do get navels from South Africa and Australia, which I don't buy, but they probably just carry over. Hey, as long as it's not GM, it's cool. 🙂
Kathy says
Ivy,
PLU# 3107 = size 88 and 72
...your sticker is speaking to the size of the fruit. I found this info here: http://www.dneworld.com/FreshCitrus/ByRegion/Australian/tabid/231/Default.aspx
..oddly though this was for Aussie fruit, so not sure if the same numbers just carry over...
-Kathy
Kathy says
Ivy,
PLU# 3107 = size 88 and 72
...your sticker is speaking to the size of the fruit. I found this info here: http://www.dneworld.com/FreshCitrus/ByRegion/Australian/tabid/231/Default.aspx
..oddly though this was for Aussie fruit, so not sure if the same numbers just carry over...
-Kathy
Kathy says
Ivy,PLU# 3107 = size 88 and 72...your sticker is speaking to the size of the fruit. I found this info here: http://www.dneworld.com/FreshCitrus/ByRegion/Australian/tabid/231/Default.aspx..oddly though this was for Aussie fruit, so not sure if the same numbers just carry over...-Kathy
Kathy says
Ivy,
PLU# 3107 = size 88 and 72
...your sticker is speaking to the size of the fruit. I found this info here: http://www.dneworld.com/FreshCitrus/ByRegion/Australian/tabid/231/Default.aspx
..oddly though this was for Aussie fruit, so not sure if the same numbers just carry over...
-Kathy
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. Great info. Just one thing. I have some California navel oranges with a 3107 sticker on them. Any idea what the 3 means?
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. Great info. Just one thing. I have some California navel oranges with a 3107 sticker on them. Any idea what the 3 means?
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. Great info. Just one thing. I have some California navel oranges with a 3107 sticker on them. Any idea what the 3 means?
Ivy says
Thanks, Kathy. Great info. Just one thing. I have some California navel oranges with a 3107 sticker on them. Any idea what the 3 means?
meenzH says
5 digi 9, its mine.
5 digi 8, i hate it.
4 is the bore.
Anonymous says
5 digi 9, its mine.
5 digi 8, i hate it.
4 is the bore.
Anonymous says
5 digi 9, its mine.5 digi 8, i hate it.4 is the bore.
Anonymous says
5 digi 9, its mine.
5 digi 8, i hate it.
4 is the bore.
Amanda says
what about codes for Europe?
Amanda says
what about codes for Europe?
Amanda says
what about codes for Europe?
Amanda says
what about codes for Europe?
Anonymous says
Another great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.
There are four, USDA-approved categories of organic labels, which are based on percentage of organic content. Those categories are as follows:
1. 100 Percent Organic - may carry USDA Organic Seal
2. Organic - at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase “Made with Organic” followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
Anonymous says
Another great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.
There are four, USDA-approved categories of organic labels, which are based on percentage of organic content. Those categories are as follows:
1. 100 Percent Organic - may carry USDA Organic Seal
2. Organic - at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase "Made with Organic" followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
Anonymous says
Another great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.There are four, USDA-approved categories of organic labels, which are based on percentage of organic content. Those categories are as follows:1. 100 Percent Organic - may carry USDA Organic Seal2. Organic - at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.3. Made With Organic - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase "Made with Organic" followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
Anonymous says
Another great way to identify organic products, which must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, is to look for the USDA organic label.
There are four, USDA-approved categories of organic labels, which are based on percentage of organic content. Those categories are as follows:
1. 100 Percent Organic - may carry USDA Organic Seal
2. Organic - at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase “Made with Organic” followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
JennK says
This is very helpful, thank you! Which items have you found with an '8'? I, too, am surprised that companies would disclose such information willingly, but then again, who knew that '8' denoted GM?! 🙂
JennK says
This is very helpful, thank you! Which items have you found with an '8'? I, too, am surprised that companies would disclose such information willingly, but then again, who knew that '8' denoted GM?! 🙂
JennK says
This is very helpful, thank you! Which items have you found with an '8'? I, too, am surprised that companies would disclose such information willingly, but then again, who knew that '8' denoted GM?! 🙂
JennK says
This is very helpful, thank you! Which items have you found with an '8'? I, too, am surprised that companies would disclose such information willingly, but then again, who knew that '8' denoted GM?! 🙂
Kathy says
Stick with the 9's. Organic produce is really the only GREAT way to make sure your food is not GM. It is true that the "8" code number is not mandatory. I am always looking for it at the store to get proof that it is used. There is so much about GM'd produce that consumers are unaware of. I wish the government would enforce the GM "8" rule for all produce in the USA and internationally. If you have any insider info on this topic-please post it here!
Kathy
Kathy says
Stick with the 9's. Organic produce is really the only GREAT way to make sure your food is not GM. It is true that the "8" code number is not mandatory. I am always looking for it at the store to get proof that it is used. There is so much about GM'd produce that consumers are unaware of. I wish the government would enforce the GM "8" rule for all produce in the USA and internationally. If you have any insider info on this topic-please post it here!
Kathy
Kathy says
Stick with the 9's. Organic produce is really the only GREAT way to make sure your food is not GM. It is true that the "8" code number is not mandatory. I am always looking for it at the store to get proof that it is used. There is so much about GM'd produce that consumers are unaware of. I wish the government would enforce the GM "8" rule for all produce in the USA and internationally. If you have any insider info on this topic-please post it here!Kathy
Kathy says
Stick with the 9's. Organic produce is really the only GREAT way to make sure your food is not GM. It is true that the "8" code number is not mandatory. I am always looking for it at the store to get proof that it is used. There is so much about GM'd produce that consumers are unaware of. I wish the government would enforce the GM "8" rule for all produce in the USA and internationally. If you have any insider info on this topic-please post it here!
Kathy
karen bryan says
Thanks for the info...may I ask what your source is? I didn't think that any American companies were obligated to disclose whether or not their produce/ food was GMed - so I would think they would try to conceal it any way possible!
karen bryan says
Thanks for the info...may I ask what your source is? I didn't think that any American companies were obligated to disclose whether or not their produce/ food was GMed - so I would think they would try to conceal it any way possible!
karen bryan says
Thanks for the info...may I ask what your source is? I didn't think that any American companies were obligated to disclose whether or not their produce/ food was GMed - so I would think they would try to conceal it any way possible!
karen bryan says
Thanks for the info...may I ask what your source is? I didn't think that any American companies were obligated to disclose whether or not their produce/ food was GMed - so I would think they would try to conceal it any way possible!
Emma says
Is that true just for america or is it valid internationally?
Emma says
Is that true just for america or is it valid internationally?
Emma says
Is that true just for america or is it valid internationally?
Emma says
Is that true just for america or is it valid internationally?
Mrs Ergül says
This is useful information everyone ought to be equipped with! Thanks for sharing!
Mrs Ergül says
This is useful information everyone ought to be equipped with! Thanks for sharing!
Mrs Ergül says
This is useful information everyone ought to be equipped with! Thanks for sharing!
Mrs Ergül says
This is useful information everyone ought to be equipped with! Thanks for sharing!
Kevin says
Nice to know. Thanks for the info.
Kevin says
Nice to know. Thanks for the info.
Kevin says
Nice to know. Thanks for the info.
Kevin says
Nice to know. Thanks for the info.
kt_kthx says
Great blog! I'd love to try some of your recipes this summer.
Anonymous says
Great blog! I'd love to try some of your recipes this summer.
Anonymous says
Great blog! I'd love to try some of your recipes this summer.
Anonymous says
Great blog! I'd love to try some of your recipes this summer.
ace.maler says
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks so much for posting this 🙂
Anonymous says
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks so much for posting this 🙂
Anonymous says
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks so much for posting this 🙂
Anonymous says
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks so much for posting this 🙂
Angela says
I knew about the number 9, but the Genetically modified number is a new fact for me. Very interesting.
Angela says
I knew about the number 9, but the Genetically modified number is a new fact for me. Very interesting.
Angela says
I knew about the number 9, but the Genetically modified number is a new fact for me. Very interesting.
Angela says
I knew about the number 9, but the Genetically modified number is a new fact for me. Very interesting.
Anonymous says
Good info! I never knew that.
Anonymous says
Good info! I never knew that.
Anonymous says
Good info! I never knew that.
Anonymous says
Good info! I never knew that.