What Fruit Sticker Numbers Mean in Australia: Organic, GMO & PLU Code Guide

What's the Meaning Behind the Stickers on Fruit in Australia? A Simple Tip for Health-Conscious Shoppers

Have you ever noticed the little stickers on fruits and vegetables when shopping in Australia? Most of us just peel them off without a second thought—but did you know those small numbers actually hold important information about how your food was grown?

It’s similar to how Korean eggs have a number code that reveals their production method and packaging date. I recently learned this through a post someone shared in a community group, and it was too good not to share.

If you're someone who cares about what goes into your body—whether you're living in Australia, or planning a trip and want to try lots of local produce—this tip might change the way you shop.

✅ What Is a PLU Code?

Australian Fruit Number PLU

The number you see on fruit stickers is called a PLU code—short for Price Look-Up code. It’s an internationally used system to identify fruits and vegetables, including how they were grown.

In Australia, you’ll find these at big supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. Staff scan them to know what kind of produce it is.

🍌 Understanding the Numbers

Here’s how to read them:

Type	Example Code	Meaning
Conventional	4011	Conventionally grown banana (may use pesticides)
Organic	94011	Organic banana (no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers)
GMO (Genetically Modified)	84011	GMO banana (rarely seen or labeled in Australia)

Key Points to Remember:

• 4-digit code starting with 3 or 4 = Conventional (pesticides may be used)

• 5-digit code starting with 9 = Organic 🌱

• 5-digit code starting with 8 = GMO 🚫 (rare and often unlabeled)

• 
  

So if you care about avoiding pesticides or GMOs, it’s a good idea to check that sticker!

🍇 How to Find Organic Produce in Australia

Australia has a strong organic certification system. Look for the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) logo, often called the “Bud Logo” because of its sprout shape.

If you see this mark, it means:

• ❌ No GMO

• ✅ No chemical pesticides or fertilizers

• 🐄 Animal welfare is respected

• 🌏 Grown sustainably

• 
  

While organic products are more expensive, they might be worth it if you're thinking about your health or environmental impact.

🥚 Bonus: Korea’s Egg Code System

If you’re from Korea or curious about food labeling there—eggs have a 10-digit code printed on the shell. The first digit shows the production method:

• 1 = Organic

• 2 = Free-range

• 3 = Barn

• 4 = Caged

The rest of the code tells you the farm and packaging date. Just like the fruit stickers, it gives consumers more transparency.

🧡 Final Thoughts

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by food choices—especially when you're trying to make the healthiest decisions. But learning small things like this can help us make informed, balanced choices without too much stress.

Honestly, I wasn’t aware of this before either. Writing this blog helped me learn, and I hope it’s helpful for you too.

Let’s do our best to stay healthy, in ways that work for each of us!

Thanks for reading, and take care of yourself 💛