Like UPCs, PLU codes are used by retail to facilitate the checkout process at the cashier. PLUs are used to identify bulk and random/variable weight produce (and related items such as nuts and herbs). PLU numbers are typically printed on a small label attached directly to individual produce items and consists of a four or five digit number. Four digits identify a conventionally grown produce items. A "9" is added at the beginning of the four digit number to indicated that the product is organically grown. (E.g., 4011 identifies a conventionally grown banana and 94011 identifies an organically grown banana.)

Produce PLU codes are assigned after a rigorous review process by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and are international in scope. Like the industry standardized UPCs, a block of PLU numbers have been reserved for individual use by retailers.

Existing industry standardized PLU codes are available at www.plucodes.com (free access).

Canadian Nationally Coordinated Retailer Assigned PLUs

In June 2006, Canadian retailers finalized a list of Canadian nationally coordinated retailer assigned PLUs for produce. The list was developed to facilitate efficient identification for produce sold loose/bulk/variable weight in Canadian retail operations where an internationally harmonized PLU does not currently exist. The list is meant to augment the internationally coordinated IFPS. PLU list available at www.plucodes.com, not replace, in any way, those numbers when used in Canada. Instead, the Canadian Retailer Assigned PLUs are assigned for those products which do not have enough volume to warrant the assignment of an IFPS PLU. If you wish to apply for a new Canadian Nationally Coordinated Retailer Assigned PLU number, click here or to view the list click here.

Please note: The Canadian Nationally Coordinated Retailer Assigned PLUs are for use ONLY in Canada. It is a voluntary system and you should therefore check with your Canadian Retail buyers before utilizing these numbers on your product.

PLU Labels in Canada – Q & A to assist Industry

GS1 DataBar implementation represents a change in how product identification and data capture occurs for loose produce sold at retail but it does not, in and of itself, represent changes to other information which grower/packer/shippers may choose to include on labels. However, since DataBar implementation has naturally re-focused industry on what must or must not be included on a PLU label, CPMA has created the following Q & A to assist industry in distinguishing fact from fiction as they create DataBar labels for product to be sold in Canada.

Please Note: The following information is specific to questions industry is posing relative to specific Canadian requirements. Information sources for implementation, creating a GS1 DataBar, etc. are available at the end of the document. Additionally, if you have questions about similar requirements in another country, please contact that country’s produce association for assistance.

Q1: Is the use of PLU labels a Canadian Regulatory Requirement?
A1: No, PLU (Price Look-up) is a voluntary labelling system for bulk fresh fruits and vegetables. There are no Canadian federal regulations specific to PLU stickers or what constitutes one (Source: Fair Labelling Program, Canadian Food Inspection Agency). Specifically, no regulatory body requires a PLU sticker on loose/variable measure produce – however, most medium to large retailers expect a PLU as part of their business model.
Ontario Provincial Legislation (Farm Products Grades and Sales Act) does not require the use of or regulate the content of a PLU label; however, any information contained thereon must be correct.

Q2: Do I need to include English & French on my PLU labels?
A2: Federally there are no language requirements relative to PLU labels. However, should your product be destined for the Quebec marketplace, Quebec does have strict French language legislation and all printed consumer product information must be in both official languages. In addition the French must be of at least the same prominence as the English (e.g. same font size, bolding or shading, etc.). On the PLU stickers, any information not exempted under the Quebec Charter of the French Language will require translation into French. This language legislation (Division I, Exceptions to Section 51 of the Charter of the French Language, number 7) exempts only the following information on a product from translation into French:

1. the firm name of a firm established exclusively outside Québec;
2. a name of origin, the denomination of an exotic product or foreign specialty, a heraldic motto or any other non-commercial motto;
   
3. a place name designating a place situated outside Québec or a place name in such other language as officialized by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, a family name, a given name or the name of a personality or character or a distinctive name of a cultural nature; and
   
4. a recognized trade mark within the meaning of the Trade Marks Act (R.S.C. (1985). c. T-13), unless a French version has been registered.

Q3: I’d like to indicate on my label that my product is organic – can I do that?
A3: Yes, but any information related to organic status of a product included on a PLU for use in Canada, must satisfy Canadian requirements for organic product marketed in Canada; if the product is to enter the Quebec marketplace, the information must satisfy the Quebec organic regulations, as well as the language legislation referred to above. (The approved certifying body for your organic product should be aware of legislation applicable to organic product sold in Canada.)

Q4: My product is a source of potassium – can I say this on my PLU label?
A4: If the PLU label contains any claims information, such as nutrient content or health claims they are subject to the requirements set out in the Food and Drug Act and Regulations and other applicable legislation.
If a PLU label contains a nutrient content claim such as a “source of Potassium” the accompanying information required by the applicable regulations/legislation must appear on the sticker - for example, the amount of potassium per serving of stated size must also be on the sticker.
If the PLU label contains a health claim it may trigger the requirement for a Canadian Nutrition Facts Table on the sticker.

Q5: Canada has country of origin declaration requirements and the United States has emerging Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) requirements so do I need to include the country of origin on my PLU label?
A5: There is no Canadian regulatory requirement to put country of origin information on a PLU label. In general, Canadian labelling regulations require a country of origin declaration on pre-packaged product and shipping containers. – (U.S. COOL requirements are outside the scope of this document)

Q6: Is it acceptable to add our company’s website on the PLU label?
A6: This is a marketing decision each company makes but be aware that, should the website be included, if the website contains any nutritional information on the product, it triggers the nutritional claims requirements noted above.

Regardless of whether you choose to include a GS1 DataBar on your PLU label or not, the above information is applicable. Remember, DataBar is simply the capture of product identification via a barcode – the only information a retailer requires is the IFPS PLU number in a human readable format (and in the case of those implementing GS1 DataBar, the actual barcode) - other information included is at the discretion of the grower/packer/shipper.

Additional Sources for Information on PLUs or GS1 DataBar are available at the following sites:

http://www.gs1ca.org/page.asp?LSM=0&intNodeID=731&intPageID=275

http://www.plucodes.com/docs/IFPS-plu_codes_users_guide.pdf

The above information is provided by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) as a service to its members to assist them in understanding and applying various federal acts and regulations that govern the sale and marketing of fresh produce in Canada and their impact on the PLU label. The CPMA makes every effort to ensure that accurate information is provided but cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions no matter how caused. Acts and regulations are evolutionary at both the national and federal level and this document will be updated should any changes occur which impact information included above.