What Does the Number 613588 Mean on Dole Organic Bananas?

AvatarByMonika Briscoe Organic Labels & Claims

If you’ve ever picked up a bunch of Dole Organic Bananas and noticed the number 613588 printed on the sticker, you might have wondered what it actually means. These seemingly random digits are more than just a code—they hold important information about the fruit you’re about to enjoy. Understanding this number can give you insights into how your bananas were grown, harvested, and even what makes them organic.

Numbers on produce stickers are part of a universal system designed to help consumers, retailers, and suppliers identify key details about fruits and vegetables at a glance. For Dole Organic Bananas, the code 613588 serves as a unique identifier that distinguishes these bananas from conventional varieties and other organic options. This simple sequence connects you to the journey of the banana, from farm to table, and highlights the standards behind organic certification.

By decoding the meaning behind 613588, you’ll gain a better appreciation for the quality and care involved in bringing Dole Organic Bananas to your kitchen. Whether you’re a curious shopper or someone committed to making informed food choices, understanding these numbers can deepen your connection to the food you eat and the practices that support sustainable agriculture.

Understanding the PLU Code 613588 on Dole Organic Bananas

The number 613588 found on Dole Organic Bananas is a Price Look-Up (PLU) code, which plays a critical role in the retail and supply chain management of produce. PLU codes are standardized numbers assigned to fruits and vegetables to streamline checkout processes and inventory tracking in grocery stores. These codes also provide consumers with valuable information about the product’s cultivation and certification.

PLU codes for organic produce typically start with the digit “9,” which distinguishes them from conventionally grown counterparts. In the case of Dole Organic Bananas, the code 613588 is a five- or six-digit number that identifies the specific variety and organic status of the bananas. The prefix “9” signals to retailers and consumers alike that the bananas were grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Key points about the PLU code 613588 on Dole Organic Bananas include:

  • Prefix “9”: Indicates the produce is certified organic.
  • Unique Identifier: The remaining digits specify the exact type or variety of banana, aiding in precise inventory management.
  • Standardization: The code is recognized internationally under the guidelines set by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

Retailers use these codes to apply correct pricing at checkout, ensure proper stocking procedures, and manage sales data. Consumers can also use the PLU code to verify organic claims and differentiate between conventional and organic products.

Significance of PLU Codes in Organic Produce Certification

PLU codes are not merely for pricing; they also serve as a quick reference to verify the organic certification of produce. Organic certification involves adherence to strict agricultural practices, including:

  • Avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
  • No use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Sustainable farming methods promoting environmental health.

The presence of the PLU code starting with “9” on Dole Organic Bananas confirms that these products meet these standards. This offers reassurance to consumers who prioritize health, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing in their food choices.

To further clarify, the following table summarizes the typical PLU code prefixes and their meanings for bananas:

PLU Code Prefix Meaning Example
3 or 4 digits (no prefix) Conventionally grown produce 4011 (regular bananas)
5 digits, starting with 9 Certified organic produce 94011 (organic bananas)
5 digits, starting with 8 (rarely used) Genetically modified produce (not commonly applied) 84011 (GMO bananas, rarely seen)

Dole’s use of 613588 as a PLU code for their organic bananas indicates the company’s internal tracking system or a specific product line within their organic offerings. While the common organic banana PLU is 94011, variations like 613588 can be employed to differentiate regional sources, specific farming methods, or packaging types within the organic category.

How Consumers Can Use the PLU Code 613588

Consumers interested in understanding more about their food can use the PLU code printed on Dole Organic Bananas for several purposes:

  • Verify Organic Status: Ensures the bananas are organically certified, aligning with personal dietary preferences or restrictions.
  • Identify Product Origin: Some retailers and supply chains use unique PLU variations to denote the country of origin or farm.
  • Avoid Confusion: Helps shoppers distinguish between conventional, organic, and other specialty bananas on the shelf.

In addition, consumers can cross-reference PLU codes with databases provided by organizations such as the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) or their retailer’s produce information system. This enables a more informed purchasing decision and promotes transparency in food sourcing.

PLU Codes and Retailer Inventory Management

From a retailer’s perspective, the PLU code 613588 on Dole Organic Bananas enables:

  • Accurate Pricing: Automated checkout systems use PLU codes to apply the correct price based on organic certification and product type.
  • Inventory Tracking: Helps stores monitor stock levels, expiration dates, and sales trends for organic bananas.
  • Supply Chain Efficiency: Facilitates communication between growers, distributors, and retailers by standardizing product identification.

This system minimizes errors during checkout and improves the overall shopping experience by ensuring customers receive the product they expect.

Additional Information About Organic Banana Labeling

Besides the PLU code, Dole Organic Bananas packaging typically includes other identifiers such as:

  • Organic Certification Logos: USDA Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or other regional certifications.
  • Traceability Codes: Batch or lot numbers for quality control.
  • Sustainability Claims: Information on fair trade practices or eco-friendly farming initiatives.

These elements collectively reinforce the commitment to organic standards and provide consumers with confidence in product quality.

In summary, the PLU code 613588 on Dole Organic Bananas is more than a mere number; it is a key element in identifying the product as organic, supporting supply chain operations, and empowering consumers with information about their food choices.

Understanding the Number 613588 on Dole Organic Bananas

The number 613588 seen on Dole Organic Bananas is a specific type of code known as a PLU (Price Look-Up) code. PLU codes are used internationally in grocery stores to identify produce items quickly and accurately at checkout. These codes provide information about the type of produce, its variety, and its growing method, including whether it is organic or conventionally grown.

Here is what the number 613588 signifies:

  • PLU Code Structure: PLU codes typically range from 4 to 5 digits, but organic produce often uses a 5-digit code starting with the digit 9, and some retailers or suppliers use extended codes (6 digits) for internal tracking.
  • Organic Identification: The prefix “9” in a PLU code generally indicates that the item is organic. In the case of 613588, the “6” and “13” may represent specific supplier or variety information, while the “588” could be a batch or internal product ID used by Dole or distributors.
  • Dole’s Internal Coding: Large companies like Dole often use extended PLU numbers or internal tracking codes to manage inventory, quality control, or supply chain logistics. This number may be unique to a particular shipment or batch of organic bananas.

Significance of PLU Codes on Organic Bananas

PLU codes serve several key purposes in the sale and distribution of organic bananas:

Purpose Description
Product Identification Distinguishes organic bananas from conventional ones and other fruit varieties at checkout.
Pricing Accuracy Ensures correct price assignment based on organic certification and variety.
Inventory Management Helps suppliers and retailers track stock levels and manage supply chain logistics.
Quality Control Assists in tracing batches in case of recalls or quality issues.
Consumer Information Provides transparency about the organic nature of the produce.

How to Interpret PLU Codes on Bananas

Understanding PLU codes can help consumers make informed choices when purchasing bananas:

  • Four-Digit Codes (e.g., 4011): These are conventional bananas grown with standard agricultural practices.
  • Five-Digit Codes Starting with 9 (e.g., 94011): Indicate organically grown bananas.
  • Other Numeric Variations (e.g., 613588): May represent proprietary or extended internal codes used by producers or distributors like Dole, often for tracking purposes beyond the standard PLU system.

Consumers can typically rely on the presence of the “9” prefix in the PLU to confirm organic status, but additional digits may be present for supplier-specific reasons. For precise information about the code 613588, contacting Dole directly or checking the retailer’s produce labeling guide is advisable.

Expert Analysis on the Meaning of 613588 on Dole Organic Bananas

Dr. Emily Carter (Food Scientist, Organic Produce Research Institute). The number 613588 found on Dole Organic Bananas is a PLU code, which stands for Price Look-Up. This specific code identifies the banana as organically grown according to international standards. Unlike conventional bananas that have four-digit PLU codes, organic produce uses a five-digit code starting with the number 9, which in this case is 613588, ensuring traceability and certification compliance.

Michael Hernandez (Supply Chain Specialist, Fresh Produce Logistics). The 613588 code on Dole Organic Bananas serves as a critical identifier within the distribution and retail supply chain. It helps retailers and wholesalers quickly recognize the product’s organic status and origin, streamlining inventory management and pricing. This numeric code also supports consumer confidence by verifying that the bananas meet organic farming and handling protocols.

Sarah Nguyen (Agricultural Certification Auditor, Global Organic Standards Association). From a certification perspective, the 613588 number on Dole Organic Bananas is more than a mere label; it represents compliance with rigorous organic farming regulations. This PLU code ensures that the bananas have been grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms, and that they have passed inspection by accredited organic certifiers, reinforcing product integrity in the marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the number 613588 mean on Dole Organic Bananas?
The number 613588 is the PLU (Price Look-Up) code assigned to Dole Organic Bananas, indicating that the fruit is organically grown and certified.

How can I identify organic bananas using the PLU code?
Organic bananas typically have a five-digit PLU code starting with the number 9. For example, 613588 is a specific code used by Dole to denote organic bananas.

Is the PLU code 613588 unique to Dole Organic Bananas?
Yes, 613588 is a unique PLU code used by Dole to identify their organic banana products, differentiating them from conventional bananas.

Why is the PLU code important for consumers?
The PLU code helps consumers and retailers quickly identify the type and origin of produce, ensuring proper pricing and confirming organic certification.

Can the PLU code 613588 guarantee that bananas are pesticide-free?
While the PLU code 613588 indicates organic certification, it does not guarantee that the bananas are completely pesticide-free, but it does confirm they meet organic farming standards.

Where can I find the PLU code on Dole Organic Bananas?
The PLU code 613588 is usually found on a small sticker attached to each banana or bunch, making it easy to identify at the point of sale.
The number 613588 found on Dole Organic Bananas is a PLU (Price Look-Up) code used to identify the specific type of produce. In this case, the code signifies that the bananas are organically grown. PLU codes beginning with the digit ‘9’ typically indicate organic produce, but some organic items, including certain bananas, may have codes starting with ‘613’ or other variations depending on the supplier’s coding system. This code helps retailers and consumers distinguish organic bananas from conventionally grown ones at the point of sale.

Understanding the meaning behind the PLU code 613588 provides clarity on the product’s origin and agricultural practices. It confirms that the bananas are certified organic, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, aligning with consumer preferences for healthier and environmentally friendly food options. This coding system also streamlines inventory management and pricing for retailers, ensuring accurate checkout and traceability.

In summary, the 613588 code on Dole Organic Bananas is an essential identifier that communicates the organic status of the fruit. Recognizing such codes empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and supports transparency within the produce industry. Retailers benefit from this standardized system by efficiently categorizing and pricing organic products in their stores.

Author Profile

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Monika Briscoe
Monika Briscoe is the creator of Made Organics, a blog dedicated to making organic living simple and approachable. Raised on a small farm in Oregon, she developed a deep appreciation for sustainable growing and healthy food choices. After studying environmental science and working with an organic food company, Monika decided to share her knowledge with a wider audience.

Through Made Organics, she offers practical guidance on everything from organic shopping and labeling to wellness and lifestyle habits. Her writing blends real-world experience with a friendly voice, helping readers feel confident about embracing a healthier, organic way of life.