PLU codes on produce stickers

The small sticker on an apple or avocado carries a PLU (price look-up) code. It tells the cashier what the item is, and the format tells you whether it is organic.

How to read a PLU code

• 4 digits (3000–4999): conventionally grown produce.
• 5 digits starting with 9: organic. The 9 is put in front of the conventional code, so 94011 is the organic version of 4011.
• 83000 and 84000 series: reserved for new codes once the 3000 and 4000 series run out. They do not mean organic.
• Beyond that, the number carries no meaning: IFPS assigns codes at random within the series.

The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) assigns PLU codes. Stores can also use a block of “retailer assigned” codes for varieties without their own PLU.

PLU codes say nothing about where the produce was grown. Country of origin is shown separately, on the sticker, the box or the shelf sign.

Rules quoted from IFPS: PLU codes. To find the item for a code, use the IFPS PLU code search. We do not copy the IFPS database.