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=== PLU Codes ===
=== PLU Codes ===
PLU or Price Look Up codes have been used by supermarkets since 1990 to make check-out and inventory control easier, faster and more accurate. PLU codes are used to identify bulk produce (and related items such as nuts and herbs). They tell the supermarket cashier whether an apple is a conventionally grown Fuji apple which may sell for $1.29 per pound versus an organically grown Fuji apple which may sell for $2.29 per pound. IFPS is the global organization that assigns PLU codes to produce items.
PLU codes are 4 or 5 digit numbers and will appear on a small sticker applied to the individual piece of fresh produce. The PLU number identifies produce items based upon various attributes which can include the commodity, variety, growing methodology (e.g. organic), and the size. These numbers are assigned by the IFPS after rigorous review at both national and international levels. PLU codes ensure that the accurate price is paid by consumers by removing the need for cashiers to identify the product and whether or not it is conventionally or organically grown.
The 4-digit PLU codes for produce are randomly assigned within a series of numbers within the 3000 and 4000 series. There is no intelligence built into the 4-digit code. For example, no one number within the 4-digit number represents anything in particular. The 4-digit codes are for conventionally grown produce. 5-digit codes are used to identify organic produce. The prefix of '9' would be placed in front of the 4-digit conventionally grown code for organic produce. You will not see the 5-digit codes in the PLU codes database since they are simply prefixes added on to the conventionally grown produce PLU codes.
The PLU coding system is voluntary, not mandate by any governing body. There are currently over 1400 PLU codes issued for fresh produce and produce related items.
Standardized Universal Product Codes (UPCs) for fresh fruits and vegetables are also available on a subscription basis through the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) website.
*PLU Search Database: http://www.ifpsglobal.com/Identification/PLU-Codes/PLU-codes-Search
* http://www.plucodes.com/docs/PLU_List_Commodity_Varietal_Bilingual.pdf
* http://www.plucodes.com/docs/PLU_List_Commodity_Varietal_Bilingual.pdf
* https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YieZxWFHv9bAHO9zRW4I5_ghnId5B2oxVz72vMvTF-I/edit#gid=1530069957
* https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YieZxWFHv9bAHO9zRW4I5_ghnId5B2oxVz72vMvTF-I/edit#gid=1530069957