PLU: Price Look-Up Numbers

Price Look-Up Codes (PLU numbers)

Price look-up numbers (price look-up codes) are 4- or 5-digit numbers printed on stickers that uniquely identify different kinds of produce. PLU numbers identify fruits and vegetables. A PLU number is entered at the cash register instead of scanning a barcode.

There are two important things to know about PLU's: those that begin with a "9" are used on organic food (good) and those that begin with an "8" are genetically modified food (bad). The 8 or 9 is added before a specific PLU to designate the food item's pedigree. This PDF file discusses why PLUs that begin with a 9 are good for you.

Price look-up codes tend to fall between 3000 and 4000. Here's a numerical list of PLU numbers. This is an alphabetical list. The International Federaton for Produce Standars has a great guide to PLU codes.

And yes, one of these days produce will have barcodes. As soon as I get around to it...