You and the PLU

We've previously posted our support for the labeling of GMO foods, which would require labeling of genetically engineered foods.  Despite the narrow defeats of recent ballot measures in California and Washington State, the movement continues to gain traction across the country. We are closely following the initiatives in other states as well as at the federal level, but in the meantime, here's some info that you can use right now.  It turns out that the little "PLU" (price look-up) labels on fruits and veggies, used in markets for check out and inventory control, contain information that is actually useful to the consumer. 

All 4-digit codes are for conventionally raised produce.  Five-digit codes are the same 4-digit codes, with an additional number added to the front.  If the first number is a 9, then you know it is organic.  So, for example, in the case of a large naval orange, the conventionally raised orange would be coded 4012.  Code 94012 is an organic Valencia orange. These codes also apply to herbs, nuts, and products sold in bulk.

An interesting development to watch is Whole Foods addition to PLU codes.  They have started identifying fair trade items by adding a 6 in front of the PLU, making an organically grown, fair trade item a 6-digit PLU.  However,  this is not an industry standard at this point.  

We were very excited to learn that there is also an indicator for genetically modified food, indicated by an 8 in front of the 4-digit code.  However, because the labeling is voluntary, your chances of finding a PLU code of 8 is about the same as finding agribusiness support for GMO labeling.   



So in the meantime, do your research and pay attention to labels. 


For more information, check out:
http://blog.usa.gov/post/29131446265/what-the-sticker-on-your-produce-actually-means
and

http://www.naturalnews.com/023711_fruit_labels_health.html 
and
http://www.plucodes.com/ 

Our New CSA

Despite a longer drive for pickup, we've changed our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to the wonderful South Coast Farms in San Juan Capistrano. We love so many things about this place - the beautiful bushel baskets of fresh local fruits and veggies (and sometimes, even flowers!); the wide variety of offerings; the friendly staff; and its location next door to The Ecology Center. And best of all, they are 100% certified organic.  

We participate in the bi-weekly program, and so every other Wednesday we make the trek to the farm to pick up our basket.  Yesterday's bounty was Chard, Red Leaf Lettuce, Cilantro, Yellow Onion, Navel Oranges, , Pink Lady Apples, Arugula, Turnips, Parsley, Beets, Black Kale, Collard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Potatoes, Kiwi, Grapefruit, Carrots, Pears and Spinach.  Not bad for the middle of winter!

Good news on the GMO labeling fight!

We've posted previously on the "Just Label It" campaign in California, which unfortunately lost by a slim margin in 2012.  The good news on that front was the groundswell it created, prompting other states to push for labeling.  It's a rocky battle, but the trend is clear - people want transparency in the foods they eat.

One recent victory was General Mills' decision to remove genetically modified ingredients from Cheerios.  While the company's website goes to great lengths in espousing the safety of GMOs, they recognize that "some consumers remain uncomfortable with GMOs" and therefore they have chosen to ensure that Cheerios will be GMO-free.

Further, while they continue to oppose state-by-state labeling laws, they support nationally standardized labeling of non-GMO products in the U.S.  Very good news, indeed.

You can read more about the story here.