Worried about GMO's? Ck supermarket code:

[mother earth]

1. If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.

2. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8″, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being organic. So, it is possible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011

3. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9″, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011

[KansDem]

1. If "9" means it's organic.

Does that also mean it could be grown organically from a GMO seed?

...it is possible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

3. No...

Number 3 states that a nine designates organic NOT grown from GMO seed. GMO trumps organic, so a number 8 could be an organically grown banana, but from GMO seed.

Also, conventional AND GMO have to be stored separate from organic foods in their bins. I used to work for Wild Oats (and then Whole Foods once they bought us out, then shut us down a year later) for about 5 years as a meat cutter. We had to use different cutting boards for organic meats (organic grain or organic grass fed) vs the natural (organic grain fed, no hormones, pesticides, antibiotics). Also had to keep them in separate display cases. The same went for produce and dried bulk goods. We had to undergo a LOT of training for this, with regular retraining every year, plus bi-monthly surprise inspections. The USDA levies hefty fines for not following these guidelines...

[jberryhill]

2. Bullshit

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/jeffrey-smith/plu-codes-do-not-indicate_b_473088.html


Let's put a rumor to rest. No, the 5-digit PLU codes on produce do not tell you what is genetically modified or natural. This urban legend has circulated long enough, even on the best of websites. It's time to take it down.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

4. I wasn't sure on the PLU codes...

but the rest of what I put up there is true. But, it looks like a 9 on the PLU still means organic. However, organic is required to be labeled as such in addition to a PLU.

[mother earth]

5. Thank you for posting in reply. I had no idea this was not true. There are many websites promoting

this.

It's incredibly difficult to figure out what you are truly buying these days. Farmer's markets and buying local is the best way to go, or better yet, grow what you eat.

I am completely against frankenfoods & like most people, would like to see GMO's labeled as such. Monsanto is pure evil IMHO.

Whatever tools there are for people to decipher BS from fact, is welcome. Thank you, jberryhill for bringing this to our attention.