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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: International organization behind fruit code numbers Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 25, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted May. 25, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Like I have many times before, I was buying bananas using the self-checkout machine at Freddy's, and the machine had me punch in the number "4011" on the sticker before it'd weigh it. That same number seems to be on bananas at Albertson's, Safeway and Food 4 Less, and it doesn't matter if the brand is Chiquita, Dole or Del Monte. So my question is this, who decided that all bananas get that particular number? Is it the same folks who make sure my cereal has a different bar code from my shampoo? — Mike, White City We may be short on intercoms and Muzak here at Since You Asked headquarters, but we're always glad to "check out" your questions related to checking-out. That number to which you're referring is known as the price look-up or PLU code, and you've likely seen different numbers on your apples and oranges too. It has been used in markets around the world to make paying for produce and taking inventory easier since 1990, and is orchestrated around the world by the International Federation of Produce Standards, and in the United States by the Produce Marketing Association, a member of the federation. There are more than 1,400 codes issued by IFPS, so the checker can easily differentiate between Pink Lady and Red Delicious apples on your receipt. The code isn't mandated by any law, but rather a set of best practices, which explains in part why green beans aren't typically stickered. A separate organization ensures your dish soap and newsstand Mail Tribune don't share a bar code at the check stand. The Universal Product Code (UPC) label has been overseen in the US since 1974 by neutral and not-for-profit organization GS1, initially known as the Universal Product Code Council until the name change to reflect its merger with the European-founded International Article Number. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 25, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501