Making Informed Produce Choices: PLU Codes, Pesticides, and Detoxification
Understanding PLU Codes and Their Importance
When shopping for fruits and vegetables, you may have noticed small stickers on the produce with a series of numbers. These numbers are known as PLU (Price Look-Up) codes, and they play a crucial role in helping consumers, cashiers, and suppliers identify various types of produce. Understanding PLU codes can help you make more informed decisions about the produce you buy, especially when it comes to distinguishing between conventional, organic, and genetically modified items.
What are PLU codes?
PLU codes are typically four or five-digit numbers that provide information about the type of produce and how it was grown. Here’s a breakdown of what these numbers mean:
| First Digit of PLU Code | Number of Digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | Conventional produce |
| 3 | 4 | Ionizing Irradiation Electronic Pasteurization |
| 4 | 4 | Conventionally Grown Sprayed with Pesticides |
| 8 | 5 | Genetically modified produce |
| 9 | 5 | Organic produce |
For example, if a PLU code starts with a “9” and is five digits long, it indicates that the produce is organic. Conversely, a five-digit PLU code starting with “8” signifies that the item is genetically modified. Conventional produce is typically represented by four-digit codes starting with “0”, “3”, or “4”.
Why PLU Codes Matter
Understanding PLU codes is essential for several reasons:
- Health Consciousness: Knowing how your produce is grown can help you make healthier choices. For instance, if you prefer to avoid genetically modified foods, you can look for PLU codes that do not start with an “8”.
- Environmental Impact: Choosing organic produce can reduce your exposure to pesticides and support more environmentally friendly farming practices.
- Informed Shopping: PLU codes help you quickly identify the type of produce you are buying, ensuring you get the quality you desire.
In addition to understanding PLU codes, being aware of the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists can further guide your shopping decisions. The “Dirty Dozen” list highlights fruits and vegetables that have the highest pesticide residues, suggesting that these items are best purchased organic. Conversely, the “Clean Fifteen” list identifies produce with the lowest pesticide residues, which are generally safer to buy conventionally grown.
Dirty Dozen (2024):- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard, and mustard greens
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell and hot peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green beans
Clean Fifteen (2023):
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapples
- Onions
- Papayas
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melons
- Kiwis
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Watermelons
- Carrots
By prioritizing organic options for the “Dirty Dozen” and feeling more comfortable with conventional choices from the “Clean Fifteen,” you can balance your health concerns with your budget.
Detoxination and Its Role in Detoxing Pesticides and Herbicides
- Niacin-Induced Rebound Lipolysis: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a key component of the Detoxination protocol. High doses of niacin induce a process called rebound lipolysis, which mobilizes fat-stored xenobiotics, including pesticides and herbicides, from adipose tissues into the bloodstream.
- Sweat Therapy: Once mobilized, these toxins are excreted through the skin during sauna sessions. Detoxination emphasizes the use of far-infrared (FIR) saunas, which penetrate deep into the skin, promoting the release of toxins through sweat. This method is particularly effective for eliminating lipophilic (fat-loving) toxins like glyphosate.
- Nutritional Support: The protocol includes specific nutrients that support detoxification. For instance, lecithin (a primary source of choline) aids in the emulsification and transport of fats, enhancing the elimination of fat-soluble toxins. Additionally, micronized zeolite and activated charcoal are used to bind and capture toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their reabsorption.
- Hydration and Electrolytes: Adequate hydration is crucial for detoxification. The protocol ensures clients maintain proper fluid intake, supplemented with electrolytes to support cellular functions and the excretion of toxins.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise is recommended to enhance circulation and support the mobilization of toxins from fat stores into the bloodstream, where they can be excreted more efficiently.
- Binders: Binders such as activated charcoal and micronized zeolite are essential components of the Detoxination protocol. These substances effectively bind to mobilized toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their reabsorption and facilitating their elimination from the body. Using binders ensures that toxins are efficiently captured and excreted, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the detoxification process.
By incorporating these elements, Detoxination provides a comprehensive approach to reducing the body’s burden of pesticides and herbicides, promoting overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
PLU codes are a valuable tool for making informed choices about the produce you consume. They help you identify whether fruits and vegetables are conventional, organic, or genetically modified. Additionally, staying informed about the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” can further guide your decisions, ensuring you and your family enjoy healthy, safe, and nutritious produce. Incorporating detoxification practices like Detoxination can further assist in mitigating the impact of pesticides and herbicides from non-organic foods, promoting a cleaner, healthier body. Happy shopping!
Daniel Root is the leading expert, practitioner, and trainer of Detoxination®. He is the son of the world renowned expert in human detoxification of heavy metals, synthetic/man-made chemicals, and radiation, Dr. David E. Root.
Dan and his father authored Sauna Detoxification Using Niacin that sells thousands of copies worldwide.
He was co-host of a weekly radio program, The Get Detoxinated! Show on KSAC 105.5 FM.
Dan is the CEO of Detoxination Wellness Centers, a dba of Sabre Hawk, LLC.
He has been an entrepreneur in the Information Technology field since 1989, and is the adoptive father of 3 biological sisters.
Dan served on the Board of Sierra Adoption Services for 6 years. He lives with his wife, Suzy, and their youngest daughter in Sacramento, California.
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