A small stamp with numbers located on the fruit can reveal to consumers a lot of information and will help choose the right product to prioritize for use.

At the fruit counters of supermarkets or stores specializing in imported foods, people often see stamps on each apple, pear, orange...; But very few people know the necessary information behind those character numbers.

The code on the stamp is called PLU code, short for Price Look-up. Knowing the PLU code will help you choose the foods your family prioritizes.

3###: Application of ionizing radiation

If there are four numbers on the stamp, starting with the number 3, it is the symbol of fruit treated with ionizing radiation technology.

This food irradiation technology uses ion radiation energy to treat food, improve food hygiene and safety and prolong food preservation time.

Radiation rays have the effect of damaging genetic substrates (DNA molecules), inactivating the ability of pathogenic and harmful microorganisms to reproduce; including vegetative and spore forms, parasitic cysts and viruses.

Food irradiation technology requires irradiation facilities and food processing facilities to comply with certain requirements regarding radiation dose; Product preservation specifications and conditions for storage, transportation, and processing after irradiation. The method of irradiating fresh fruits is safe and has been researched and confirmed by world-renowned organizations such as WHO, FDA, FAO, IAEA, CDC...

This dosage depends on the laws of each country, for example, the US follows FDA regulations, Vietnam follows the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

This is the technology being applied by Toan Phat Irradiation Plant (TPI) to handle quarantine of fresh fruits exported to the US and New Zealand markets according to the mandatory requirements of these countries.

4###: Common growing method

If there are four numbers on the stamp, starting with the number 4, it is the symbol of fruit grown using conventional technology; That means using herbicides, pesticides, growth stimulants, inorganic fertilizers...; according to the correct dosage.

8####: Genetic modification

If you see a five-digit stamp starting with the number 8, it is a genetically modified product.

Currently, genetically modified agricultural products are controversial and facing widespread opposition, especially in the European Union and a few other Asian countries.

Besides, the regulations on labeling are not completely transparent, so from theory to reality there is still a gap when no product can be found labeled with five digits, starting with the number 8 (8 ####) out on the market.

9####: Organic growing method

If the stamp has five digits starting with 9, it is an organic product. Organic agricultural products are not agricultural products grown in home gardens.

Currently, the European Union; The United States, Canada, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain Organic Certification to comply with strict standards established by countries and international trade organizations, specifically could be:

- Australia: NASAA

- European Union: EU - Eco

- India: NPOP (National Program for Organic Production)

- Indonesia: BIOCert issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture

- Japan: JAS

- United States: National Organic Program NOP

Notably, in the world today, the list of countries that have regulations and fully implement regulations on organic agriculture is increasing.