Most of us tend to check out the labels for the ingredients or calorie or carb count. However, don't forget to check out the UPC bar codes and the PLU codes. You'll be amazed at the "hidden" information they reveal.
The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a series of numbers and bars that was developed to be used by manufacturers to identify products quickly for sales and inventory. The number indicates the specific product, but also indicates other important factors such as its origin.
The first set of numbers indicate the origin of the product. This is very important these days as so many of us are weary of products coming from China or Taiwan where food regulations tend to be more lax. In addition, food from Japan have the risk of radiation from the nuclear leak at Fukishima. Be sure to be vigilant in checking out the codes first (especially at stores like Walmart). Try to buy products that start with 0 which indicates that the product comes from the USA or Canada. To follow is the origin code. Just look at the first few digits:
690, 691 or 692 China
471 Taiwan
00-09 USA and Canada
30-37 France
40-44 Germany
49 Japan
50 UK
Just as important are the PLU (Price Look Up) codes that identify produce. Generally, it is a 4-digit number which starts with a 3 or 4 indicating that it was grown conventionally which
may or may not be Genetically Modified. If a fifth number is added and begins with a 9, the produce is organic (the best choice!). However, if the prefix number is an 8, it can be identified as Genetically Modified. However, there are only a few states that have laws requiring the labeling of GMO foods so one can only assume that foods not labeled as organic are most likely Genetically Modified.
Try to stay away from Genetically Modified foods as studies have shown GMOs may contribute to diseases such as cancer. In fact, GMOs are banned by some countries because of their dangerous and unknown properties.
Knowlege is power. Learn where your food comes from and how it is grown. If all of us use this knowledge and refuse to buy foods from China or Taiwan along with GMO foods that start with an 8, perhaps we can raise the demand for more organic wholesome food at lower prices.
