When you pick up a bunch of Dole organic bananas from your local grocery store, you may notice a series of numbers, like 613588, printed on the sticker. At first glance, it might seem like just another label or code, but this sequence carries essential information. If you’ve ever wondered what 613588 means on Dole organic bananas, you’re not alone. This article unpacks the meaning behind this code, its significance for consumers, and its role in enhancing your grocery shopping experience.
Introduction
Fruit labels often come with a string of digits, known as Price Look-Up (PLU) codes, to provide crucial details about the product. These codes are more than mere identification; they reveal key information about how the fruit was grown and packaged. Understanding what these numbers mean can help consumers make informed choices about the food they buy. Specifically, the number 613588 on Dole organic bananas serves as a unique identifier that provides insights into the fruit’s origin and production.
Understanding Product Codes
Product codes, particularly PLU codes on fruits and vegetables, have been developed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). These codes are used worldwide to standardize produce identification for ease of checkout and inventory management. Typically, PLU codes have four or five digits:
- Conventional Produce: Four-digit codes.
- Organic Produce: Five-digit codes starting with the number 9.
- Genetically Modified Produce: Codes beginning with an 8 (though not commonly used).
The number 613588, while specific to Dole organic bananas, aligns with this global system.
Key Features of the 613588 Code
- Identification of Organic Produce: The five-digit code starting with 6 or 9 indicates organic farming practices.
- Brand-Specific Labeling: 613588 is unique to Dole and helps retailers differentiate Dole bananas from other brands.
- Tracking and Quality Control: This number allows Dole to trace the bananas back to their point of origin for quality assurance.
- Inventory Management: Helps retailers and distributors manage stock more efficiently.
Importance of the 613588 Code
1. Transparency in Food Sourcing
Consumers today are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from. The 613588 code on Dole organic bananas signifies adherence to organic farming standards, ensuring that the bananas are grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
2. Streamlined Checkout Process
For retailers, the code simplifies the checkout process, allowing cashiers to quickly identify and price organic bananas correctly without manual input.
Advantages of Knowing the 613588 Code
- Informed Choices: Consumers can confirm the bananas are organic by recognizing the code.
- Enhanced Food Safety: The traceability aspect ensures better response in case of recalls or quality concerns.
- Support for Sustainable Farming: Choosing organic bananas with this code promotes environmentally friendly farming practices.
Disadvantages
- Limited Consumer Knowledge: Many consumers remain unaware of what the numbers mean, missing the benefits of informed decision-making.
- Code Confusion: Different brands use different codes, potentially causing misunderstanding.
Applications and Significance
The 613588 code is not just a label—it plays a vital role in modern agriculture and commerce. For consumers, it ensures that organic standards are met, while for businesses, it provides a mechanism for inventory control and supply chain transparency.
- Consumer Trust: Builds confidence in the authenticity of organic products.
- Retail Efficiency: Reduces human error at checkout.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets labeling requirements for organic produce.
Unique Information
- Dole’s specific codes, like 613588, are often proprietary, meaning they are distinct to Dole’s organic bananas.
- The stickers are biodegradable, aligning with Dole’s sustainability initiatives.
- The PLU system, in general, originated in the 1990s to streamline produce identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does the 613588 code mean all Dole bananas are organic? A: No, only bananas labeled with a five-digit code starting with a 9 or 6 are organic. Conventional bananas have a four-digit PLU code.
Q2: Why does Dole use 613588 specifically? A: This code is a brand-specific identifier for Dole’s organic bananas, helping differentiate them from competitors.
Q3: Are there health benefits to choosing bananas with the 613588 code? A: Yes, organic bananas are free from synthetic chemicals and are grown using environmentally sustainable methods.
Conclusion
The number 613588 on Dole organic bananas is more than just a label; it is a gateway to understanding the origins, quality, and standards behind the fruit you consume. By recognizing and interpreting these codes, shoppers can make better-informed decisions, support sustainable farming, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing the story behind their food. Next time you grab a bunch of bananas, take a closer look—the numbers have a story to tell.
