American readers should print this chart, and always take it with them when they go grocery shopping. When Americans buy fruits and vegetables individually, there is usually a small sticker on them. This sticker will include a ‘PLU’ number. The first digit in that number is significant.
The Meaning Of The PLU First Digit On Fresh Produce
8 – The product is definitely genetically modified (G.M.O.), and almost any chemical may have been used on it, at any time. It is a toxic Frankenfood. Please avoid, and boycott whichever company is producing it.
3 – The product is likely genetically modified (G.M.O.), and almost any chemical may have been used on it, at any time.
4 – The product was ‘conventionally grown’ with synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Make note that there is a new generation of pesticides cannot be washed off, because these pesticides are fed to the roots, and infuse into every cell of the plant. These ‘conventionally grown’ foods have approximately 1/10th of the nutritional value of equivalent organic produce, and are significantly less flavorful.
9 – This is the highest quality produce, the most nutritious, the most natural, and the most safe. The product is organic (non-G.M.O.), and it was grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or any chemicals whatsoever. These are truly all-natural. When you see a PLU number beginning with 9, think purity and extremely high nutritional value. For example, an apple with a PLU of 9 will usually be more nutritious than a bowl of PLU 4 spinach.
