When you buy fruit at the grocery store, the small stickers on them contain valuable information called PLU codes. These numbers do more than just help the cashier scan the price; they tell you exactly how the fruit was grown. By learning to read these codes, you can easily find out if your food is conventional, organic, or genetically modified.

If the sticker has a four-digit code starting with the number 3 or 4, the fruit was grown conventionally. This means the farmers used standard large-scale farming methods, which often include chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While this produce is budget-conscious and safe to eat, it is always a good idea to wash it thoroughly before serving.

Five-digit codes give you more specific details about special growing practices. If the code has five digits and starts with a 9, it means the fruit is organic and grown naturally without synthetic chemicals. On the other hand, as shown in the highlighted section of the image, a five-digit code starting with an 8 indicates genetically modified (GMO) produce, though this specific label is rarely used in grocery stores today.

Checking these numbers is a quick habit that helps you make better choices for your family. Whether you want to avoid pesticides, steer clear of GMOs, or just find the most affordable option, the stickers act as your guide. The next time you pick up an apple or a banana, take a second to decode the sticker to know exactly what you are buying!