Frequently Asked Questions: Stickers

Those little stickers are important for several reasons. First, they help the retailer (and the consumer) distinguish between varieties and between organic and non-organic items. Second, they usually have a code number (Price Look Up, or PLU) which allows the cashier to quickly and accurately ring up the sale. They also differentiate between brands and growers. When you eat a terrific apple, for instance, note the brand on the sticker and look for that brand when you shop again. Not all produce tastes the same! Some growers (and their brands) are simply better than others.

PLU codes for organic (and biodynamic) produce have 5 digits and always begin with the number "9". PLU codes for non-organic produce have only the last 4 digits. For example, an organic fuji would be labeled 94131, while a non-organic fuji would be 4131. See our organic PLU code listings for more information.

We think the stickers are less wasteful than the alternatives for labeling. When you compare the size of PLU stickers to say, plastic film wrapping, styrofoam trays, plastic mesh bags, or even the "organic" labeling tape that many stores use, it becomes obvious that stickers are a better option. Many grocery and natural foods stores simply won't sell fruit or vegetables which are not labeled. Unfortunately, the stickers cannot be recycled.

Yes. The glue on the stickers is food grade and contains no animal ingredients. In fact, the stickers themselves are non-toxic. You can eat the whole thing with no ill effects (although they aren't particularly tasty).