Be a Sticker Stickler

[Clone]

[Valuesize]

I didn't know this, thanks.

[chuck white]

I wish they wouldn't stick those things on, they get stuck in my teeth sometimes.

[Tiamat]

Yay!

[Tiamat]

But, then: Awwww!

Can PLU codes help concerned consumers avoid genetically-modified foods?

No.

the idea that plu codes beginning with 8 indicate gmo foods is an internet rumor that is fase. Supposedly the numeral 8 has been in fact set aside for the possiblity of use in labeling gmo foods, bu nobody is using it, because it is not mandatory, so you are unlikely to see it anywhere. Because why would anyone voluntarily label the GMO foods if it would reduce sales. Nice try, but no cigar.



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


Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith

Consumer Advocate
GET UPDATES FROM Jeffrey Smith





http://www.responsibletechnology.org/blog/24
2010-02-23-PLUcodesGMOorganic.jpg


Jeffrey Smith

Consumer Advocate

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.

The 4-digit PLU codes on the sometimes-pain-in-the-neck labels glued to apples, for example, tell the checkout lady which is a small Fuji (4129) and which is a Honeycrisp (3283). She'll know what to charge you and the inventory elves will know what's what. If there's a 5-digit code starting with 9, then it's organic.

These numbers, organized by the Produce Marketing Association, have nothing to do with you. According to Kathy Means, Association Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs, this is an optional convention for retailers and their supplier and is not designed as a communication tool for customers. If you want to know which items are organic, look for the word Organic; and stop squinting at tiny codes.

GMO codes are hypothetical

Those that run PLU-universe figured that someday some retailer might want to distinguish between a GMO and a non-GMO for price or inventory purposes. So they created a convention of 5 digits starting with an 8, just in case it catches on. But it hasn't. No one uses that number 8 as far as we can tell. And why would they? Most Americans say they would avoid GMOs if they were labeled.

Some seed companies don't even want gardeners to know which seed is genetically modified. One company that sells zucchini seeds outfitted with virus genes announced that they would refuse to sell seed packets in Vermont, since the state legislature requires GM seeds to be labeled.

[PonderThis]

I wonder if 666 is available.

I'd use it for my line of devilishly good produce.

[Clone]

But, then: Awwww!

Can PLU codes help concerned consumers avoid genetically-modified foods?

No.

the idea that plu codes beginning with 8 indicate gmo foods is an internet rumor that is fase. Supposedly the numeral 8 has been in fact set aside for the possiblity of use in labeling gmo foods, bu nobody is using it, because it is not mandatory, so you are unlikely to see it anywhere. Because why would anyone voluntarily label the GMO foods if it would reduce sales. Nice try, but no cigar.



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


Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith

Consumer Advocate
GET UPDATES FROM Jeffrey Smith





http://www.responsibletechnology.org/blog/24
2010-02-23-PLUcodesGMOorganic.jpg


Jeffrey Smith

Consumer Advocate

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.

The 4-digit PLU codes on the sometimes-pain-in-the-neck labels glued to apples, for example, tell the checkout lady which is a small Fuji (4129) and which is a Honeycrisp (3283). She'll know what to charge you and the inventory elves will know what's what. If there's a 5-digit code starting with 9, then it's organic.

These numbers, organized by the Produce Marketing Association, have nothing to do with you. According to Kathy Means, Association Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs, this is an optional convention for retailers and their supplier and is not designed as a communication tool for customers. If you want to know which items are organic, look for the word Organic; and stop squinting at tiny codes.

GMO codes are hypothetical

Those that run PLU-universe figured that someday some retailer might want to distinguish between a GMO and a non-GMO for price or inventory purposes. So they created a convention of 5 digits starting with an 8, just in case it catches on. But it hasn't. No one uses that number 8 as far as we can tell. And why would they? Most Americans say they would avoid GMOs if they were labeled.

Some seed companies don't even want gardeners to know which seed is genetically modified. One company that sells zucchini seeds outfitted with virus genes announced that they would refuse to sell seed packets in Vermont, since the state legislature requires GM seeds to be labeled.

Oh no, caught by an urban legend..so sorry!

Jeffrey does offer up some helpful advice though:

Where does that leave you—if you happen to be one of those finicky eaters who values your immune and reproductive systems, and don't want your kids to end up with the organ damage common among GMO-fed lab animals?

Fortunately, we've got you covered. Go to www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com and peruse the long lists of non-GMO and GMO brands by category. Download a two-page version, order the pocket guide, or even equip your iPhone with the new app "ShopNoGMO".

Although a list of non-GMO brands won't help you figure out if your produce is genetically modified, the great news is that there are only 4 GMO veggies or fruits at this point: papaya, but only from Hawaii and no where else; some zucchini and yellow squash, and some corn on the cob. For these, unless it says organic or boasts a non-GMO sign in the store, eating them is a gamble. It could be GMO.

If you're not sure if GMOs are bad for you, we've got you covered there too. Visit www.HealthierEating.org, and read, listen, or watch, and find out why more and more doctors and medical organizations are prescribing non-GMO diets to all patients.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-sm...73088.html

[Crazylace]

This is the problem with posting stuff straight from Facebook. It's a rampant rumor mill.

[Clone]

This is the problem with posting stuff straight from Facebook. It's a rampant rumor mill.

I stand corrected, Crazylace.
I said I was sorry, Crazylace.
Is there something more I'm supposed to do?

[PonderThis]

[Clone]

I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry
I am sorry

....actually, I'm NOT sorry. Sorry means sick, broke and hungry.
I do apologize, though.

[Crazylace]

Not to worry. There is some truth there. The codes that start with 4s indicate conventionally grown produce and the codes that start with 9s indicate organically grown produce. Unfortunately, the USDA swings real wide with what they consider 'organically grown'.
Better to check for CCOF or Oregon Tilth certification if possible.
That's probably the best way to avoid GMOs.

[Tiamat]

No, it's not about "being sorry". It's just we have to check out our sources and where they come from. I've done it myself. I think the fact that I've done it myself and others have shown my posts to be questionable is the reason why I've learned to be a bit more careful. I was excited to see the info at first, but it made me suspicious, just based on stuff I kind of had in the back of my mind, so I checked it. Lesson learned? At least a cursory check on stuff we post as fact or else if we don't know for sure: disclaim.

I remember once, long ago, on MTF, someone questioned what possible good the forum could be. But when I thought about it, I realized I learn things all the time from the forum. I learn to widen my point of view, to accept people who are different from me, and get information I didn't know about. If nothing else, we've learned that if we see this particular bit again, we will then know, it's an urban legend. So, it's just a reverse consumer lesson today.

[PonderThis]

What are forums for if they can't point out where we're wrong anyway? Big deal.

[chuck white]

I buy locol produce, it's Oregonic.

[PonderThis]

I buy loco produce, too.

[chuck white]

Why didn't my smell checker catch that?

[Tiamat]

I think it's all relevant to the new idea of making oregon gmo free in terms of agriculture. I'd be all for it.