Are You Playing the Numbers?

   Did you ever wonder what the label stickers on fruits and vegetables mean?  Is it just for price scanning?  No, actually the numbers have significance.  I first saw this mentioned on on the Facebook page of Growing Organic, Eating Organic.  I've done a little checking on the web and found out the meaning of the numbers.
   First, I found out the PLU means "price look up" code.  Next, depending on the numbers, you can tell how the produce is grown. Then, I found that the PLU coding system is voluntary.  The PLU code was designed to help out the producers, not the consumers.
   If a product has four numbers in the code, it means that the food has been traditionally grown.  A code with five numbers that begin with an eight means the produce was genetically engineered.  Organically grown produce will have five digits with the first one being a five.
    If you have a type of produce and don't know what it is, use the gadget on the PMA website to find out about a new fruit and/or veggie.
   Now you know and , as G.I. Joe would say, "Knowing is half the battle!"