Have you ever wondered about those small stickers on fruits and vegetables?
These labels, known as PLU (price look-up) codes, serve a vital role in the supply chain, aiding in everything from packaging and shipping to sales at grocery stores. While they may appear to only assist with scanning at checkout, their significance goes beyond mere convenience.
How PLUs are Assigned
The International Federation of Produce Standards oversees the assignment of PLU codes, ensuring that applicants meet specific criteria before receiving a code. Through a meticulous approval process involving support from various global produce associations, these codes provide valuable information about the origin and variety of the produce.
Benefits for Shippers and Packers
For packers and shippers, PLU codes streamline the delivery process, ensuring that the right products reach customers efficiently. In case of recalls or issues, these codes enhance traceability, enabling swift identification of affected batches.
Assisting Grocery Stores
When shipments of fruits and vegetables arrive at grocery stores, PLUs facilitate inventory management by providing essential details such as variety, pricing, and origin. Cashiers rely on these codes to accurately identify items, especially with diverse fruit varieties that may appear similar to the untrained eye.
Deciphering Organic vs. Conventional
The number of digits in a PLU code indicates how the produce was grown. A four-digit code signifies conventional cultivation, while a five-digit code beginning with '9' indicates organic certification. This distinction allows consumers to make informed choices about the produce they purchase.
Why Some Produce Lacks Stickers
Not all fruits and vegetables have stickers, as packaging methods and product characteristics influence the application of PLU codes. Packaged items may not require stickers, and fragile produce like tomatoes might receive individual stickers to aid in identification at checkout.
Safety Concerns and Disposal
While produce stickers are safe to handle, they are not intended for consumption. In the rare event of accidentally ingesting a sticker, there is no cause for alarm as they are non-toxic. It is recommended to remove stickers before consuming produce and dispose of them in the trash as they are not biodegradable.
In conclusion, next time you spot a PLU sticker on your favorite fruit or vegetable, remember that it serves a crucial purpose beyond just scanning at the checkout counter. These codes play a significant role in ensuring transparency, traceability, and efficiency throughout the produce supply chain.
